by Don Kyle
“Fish Rots from the Head Down” is a proverb of ancient origin and means, “When an organization or state fails, it is the leadership that is the root cause.”
Just how does this proverb relate to small businesses today?
Just how does this proverb relate to small businesses today?
In last month’s article, I discussed why your business’ reputation is so important. If you own a small business and rely on the support of your local market place, it is of the utmost importance.
More often than not, businesses reflect the philosophies and views of their owners. These often flow down to the staff level. If it’s OK for the boss, it MUST be OK for us. Therefore, it is critical that owners operate in a manner that can be emulated by all those who can affect the business.
How often have you heard others talk negatively (or positively) about a business in your neighborhood? You’ve probably heard more bad than good. This often the results from customers feeling they were mistreated or cheated and the lack of proper response from a particular business.
Over the years, I have seen many business owners talk about how important it is to serve their customers, but their actions were just the opposite. Instead of meeting their customers’ needs, they were meeting their own, at any cost.
It may sound cliché, but people really do want to be treated as they would treat others — with fairness and respect. Hence the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.”
Over the years, I have also seen many businesses that were acquired from the original owners who had established great reputations within their market place. A change in philosophy to those of the new owners has lead many businesses to their downfall. Conversely, rarely will you see a business that has created a negative image rebound with new owners. By then the damage has been done, and it is virtually impossible to repair the reputation of an established business.
If you own a business, you should take an in depth look at your current operations, specifically how and why you are in business in the first place. If your goals, philosophies and views are not consistent and congruent with the nature of your business and your market place, you are probably struggling and destined to fail.
If you have questions or would like more information on branding your business, please feel free to contact me.
Don Kyle is the CEO and Founder of Small Bizz MBA, a company which assists businesses with their marketing, branding and advertising needs. (404) 580-6331, dkyle@smallbizzmba.com
