Turning More Business on by Turning People Off

I used to believe this was an illness that only afflicted the British but I now know it is an issue with human nature. ‘Humans’ have a never-ending desire to be friends with everyone and we tend to become upset when a business or an individual doesn’t appear to like what we are saying or doing. Well, get over it!

It is very good to turn people off because:

It doesn’t waste their time

It doesn’t waste your time

Time (as we all know), is the most important asset you have waste too much time trying to do the right thing by other people who may or may not be interested in what we have to say or promote.

We should be focused on those that are willing to build relationship and want to work with us over the long term. How much more business could you get from your top clients if you gave them just 5% or even 10% more attention during a year?

For most of us business is all about relationships – which means belief and trust. Do I (the client) believe that you (the supplier) will deliver ‘x’ product or service on time and to the right standard as ordered? Do I trust you to get this right for me?

When was the last time you subtly (or not so subtly) moved away from someone that you knew you could not help in any way and they would never be of any help or assistance to you?

Some networking events are attended by a large volume of people whom you just don’t need or want to be around. Should you consider plotting your escape and get away from them and instead find people, places and networking methods where you should be spending your time?

If you are stuck at an unproductive event, it is now possible to use telephone services where you get a call one hour into a date or meeting, creating the ruse that there is a problem enabling you to make a quick getaway – ‘”There is my colleague just arriving, excuse me” or, “My head’s on fire I must go” or, “I think my waters have just broken” (can’t say I have used that one or had it used on me!). Even better, why not start being straight and say, “Thank you for your time but I don’t see a future for us in business. Good to meet you and good luck!”

Don’t think that just because your business is based more online with an e-commerce model that this doesn’t affect you. It is even more important that the clients’ expectations are managed throughout the process online. That’s what auto responders on your website were invented for, keep the proactive loop of communication going at all times. If you give clients a truly positive experience they will come back time and time again.