There’s a Reason Why Business Is Spelled With a “U”

With so many mixed messages telling companies the “do”s and “don’ts” of running a business, staying a float, attracting clients and customers and branding and positioning, it’s easy to lose track of the company itself.  All that wonderful mind-boggling information is great to know and read up on, but if customers can’t buy into what you’re providing, then it really doesn’t matter.  What matters to many customers is what you put into your business, namely, you.  Is there a real person that runs the business?  Do they have a heart and passion for what they’re doing?  Is there a human aspect to that business?

There are no multiple choices here, the answer should always be yes.

Your business should show your personal values (to some extent, ’cause after all, some things that are left a mystery is a beautiful thing).  I’m sure we’ve all heard the phrase one time or another that a corporation (and all of its minions) reflects the person(s) at the top.  The same goes for anyone in business for themselves.  Whatever your work ethic is, your management style, or your leniency policy you’ve incorporated in your personal life will more likely than not slip into your professional role as a business owner.  And over time, those professional attributes will be tweaked and adjusted according to either your personal needs or professional obligations.  But that’s not that human side potential clients want to see in your business.  They want to see you.

Think of any company or store you regularly shop at, for instances……..

Everyone took so long thinking of a store, so let’s go with… BestBuy.  What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of BestBuy?  Electronics, hopefully.  Knowledgeable staff, perhaps.  What about the personable side?  Friendly and helpful associates, yeah.  Casually atmosphere.  A  lax mood to shop around without feeling uneasy or rushed, maybe.  Well, when you actually step foot in a BestBuy store you expect that all the things when you think of BestBuy, especially the human aspect of the store.  The same applies to your small business.

Are you outgoing and friendly?  Are you more reserved and intimate?  Do you have a lot of energy to spend?  Do you like making new friends?  Whomever you are, share a little bit of that in your business.  Let people feel they’re building a relationship with your company rather than conducting another transaction.  Sharing pieces of your personality in your business helps you stand out, sets you apart. In this competitive market, the last thing any company should allow themselves to do is fade against the background.  There’s a reason business is spelled with a “u”.  You can make or break your own company all by how little or how much you’re willing to put in your business.