The Secret – Your Small Business Gets What You Give

Who could miss all the buzz going on lately about The Secret? It’s an old concept that’s become new again. You’ve heard the phrase what goes around, comes around haven’t you? Well that applies in your business too. I prefer to refer to it as you get what you do — makes a little more sense to me. Here’s an example of what I’m talking about.

I often call other small business owners with the potential of doing business. I’ve never had one refuse to talk with me or slam down the phone. And I believe that’s because I treat the sales people who call my business with respect and kindness.

Does that mean I always do business with cold calling sales people? Not necessarily. I do treat them like the human beings they are though. It’s simple. I tell them I’m not in the market for what they are offering, thank them for their call and wish them luck.

In this day of communication at the speed of light through voice mail and email, it’s easy to ignore really talking to another human being. Don’t do it. Here’s my advice.

• If someone leaves you a voice mail, call them back. This should happen within 24 hours of their call to you. You may end up playing voice mail tag, but at least the original caller won’t feel like their message has fallen into a big black hole.

• If you get an email, return the favor. If you don’t have the answer to their request at that time, tell them so and let them know when you expect to have it. Then follow through.