10 Sure-Fire Ways to Kill Your Business

1. Lie to Your Customers.

Over-promise the benefits of your product or service, and you can almost guarantee losing part of your market share! Customers will lose their trust in you and visit your competition. 

2. Ignore Customer Calls.

Be rare in the business world! Pick up the phone by the third ring. Be personable.  Show that you care. You have no idea how many cold, impersonal jerks they've spoken with before calling you.

3. Have Sporadic Hours.

Be different than your competition. Make your hours of operation convenient for YOUR customers.  Consider using a website to attract more business.

4. Don’t Listen to Your Customers.

Don't daydream, stare off into space, or think about anything else. Your customer pays your bills.  Focus on them!  Discover their wants, needs, and desires. Listen, really listen.

5. Ignore Your Customer.

Online or off, be attentive to your customers and their needs.  Be aware if they are in your store or online.  Don't talk to an employee about last night's game, your problems, or anything else. Address their concerns.

6. Look at Your Customer as A Thief.

Sure. Keep you and your business safe and secure. But don't think every customer inside your business is there to rob you.  Fire rude or uncaring employees immediately.  Remember the Golden Rule. Treat your customer as you'd wish to be treated...with respect. 

7. Don't Keep in Touch with Customers.

Make sure you have information--whenever possible--on your customers. Get their information so you can send them informative newsletters with upcoming sales. Send them e-mails on upcoming events.

8. Argue or Be Rude to Your Customer.

Customers buy from people and websites they like.  Don't be abrupt, inconsiderate, or a know-it-all. Be personable. Show You care!

9. Be complacent:  Do the same things you've done in the past.

Invest in marketing strategies and ideas to increase your customer base.  Research. Be active in your community.  Be indispensable.

10. Don't Promote.

Boost your company profile by any positive means necessary.  Become the company people recognize as the authority in your field.

--Brian Keller

Invest in Yourself and Your Future.