As a small business owner and entrepreneur you love your company no matter how small or large. No matter how good or bad it’s doing, it’s your baby. You raised it from the ground up…gave birth to it!
It’s easy for us to get immersed and completely engulfed in our business ventures. So much so that it’s all we think about and can’t wait until the next opportunity to work on it. We have so much passion, energy, drive and are ready to do anything for to keep it alive and healthy.
So is it any wonder your staff and customers aren’t as excited or as dedicated as you are? Of course they aren’t because they haven’t put in the blood, sweat and tears. They haven’t stayed up countless nights worrying, stressing and coming up with the next amazing idea to take your business to the next level!
This has been a major struggle of mine since merging my company with my now business partner and bringing on an influx of new staff. How on earth can you possibly expect anyone else to have the same passion and care as much about the relationships you have worked so hard to build over the years?
I’ve come to the painful conclusion that it’s simply not possible. Others will argue that if you create the right culture and incentives that eventually you’ll find someone who starts to take on these feelings of ownership and responsibility. Hey, I’m not saying it’s impossible so if you do find people like that…DO WHATEVER YOU CAN TO KEEP THEM.
In my experience you’re better off accepting the fact that nobody cares about your business like you do. The next best thing you can do is create policies, procedures and company culture to convey your message to your staff and customers as best as possible. This will create a consistent quality of service that your staff and customers can depend on.
Be prepared to fight and eliminate those that do not uphold your values. Remember…this is your child we’re talking about and you must protect it at all costs!
