make it your business to understand your business

4 replies
Hello everyone

Here is something i think everyone can use. I wrote this after reading tons of different posts on this forum and evaluating the problems and issues people are having with their business.

Successful business owners think and act like business owners,not consumers. That's why i say successful business owners make it their business to understand their business.

Part of understanding your business means understanding the consumer. But successful business owners rely on business strategies,as opposed to consumer strategies, to produce profits and grow their enterprises.

But you'd better believe that successful business owners understand pricing. Business owners don't just randomly pick prices for their products out of thin air.

Successful business owners factor in dozens of variables and then set fair and reasonable prices that offer consumers a good value while creating a profit for the owner.

Most inexperienced business owners try to evaluate their business by applying their experiences as consumers.

Consumers are conditioned to believe that "cheaper is better,"

This is a big mistake. (I was guilty of this myself)

To be successful,people need to take off their consumer hats and put on their business owner hats. Truth is, if you want what successful business people have, which is, financial freedom, a great lifestyle, a college fund for your kids,etc.

Then you have to do what successful business people do.

Make it your business to understand your business, and then work at your business on a daily basis.
#business #consumer #make #understand
  • Profile picture of the author BlazingSwitch
    This is an excellent read, and so true!!!

    In talking with most people, you can tell if they are a business owner or joker. Whether in private IM/PM, or at a conference. It is not hard to figure out who really understands the online market place, and industry.
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    • Profile picture of the author craigc1980
      Originally Posted by Barefootsies View Post

      This is an excellent read, and so true!!!

      In talking with most people, you can tell if they are a business owner or joker. Whether in private IM/PM, or at a conference. It is not hard to figure out who really understands the online market place, and industry.
      Hey Barefootsies

      yes! Your right,It's very easy to distinguish a person who is serious about their business just by talking to them.

      Most people are confused by the difference of a consumer and a business owner.

      Look at restaurant owners for example.

      How often do you see business owners raise their prices due to economy.

      Most likely all of them.

      In a sense this is not the wrong thing to do but in the end it will hurt your business.

      People are not satisfied with the price increase and more than likely their food quality goes down because they purchase cheaper foods to cut costs.

      In my experience, in working in the food service industry.

      It's not the quantity of the food or even the quality, It's more on the price they have set.

      Most consumers compare prices from other restaurants were most business owners compare their quality of product with other business owners.

      In times like this, i feel businesses need to focus on all the above but i also think customer service is one of the key parts of running a successful restaurant.

      Most people that eat out dont even pay attention to the quality or quantity, but they do pay attention the their service.

      If the service is bad then most likely they will complain everything else is bad.

      Most likely though, if you thought the service was great they dont even care about the quality of the food just because as a server and giving good service you took their mind off all the other bad things.

      This is all part of being a successful business owner and having a successful restaurant.

      Why is this you ask.

      Well because the business owner knows what to do and knows proper customer service training is important.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
    Great post!

    I own an "offline" business and am just venturing in to the online world. In my offline business, I am a true business owner. Venturing online, I was feeling more like a consumer. I attributed this to the fact that I was still learning and was utilizing "experts" in the field to help with my education. I guess the same mentality as going to college.....you paid to be there, they are paid to teach you....you're the consumer, they are the service provider.

    Your post was an excellent reminder that I need to stop thinking that way!

    I don't WANT to be in the IM business, I AM IN the IM business. It's a completely different mentality and one I think all newbies should remind themselves of every day.

    Thanks for reminding me!!!
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    • Profile picture of the author craigc1980
      Originally Posted by Jaqs View Post

      Great post!

      I own an "offline" business and am just venturing in to the online world. In my offline business, I am a true business owner. Venturing online, I was feeling more like a consumer. I attributed this to the fact that I was still learning and was utilizing "experts" in the field to help with my education. I guess the same mentality as going to college.....you paid to be there, they are paid to teach you....you're the consumer, they are the service provider.

      Your post was an excellent reminder that I need to stop thinking that way!

      I don't WANT to be in the IM business, I AM IN the IM business. It's a completely different mentality and one I think all newbies should remind themselves of every day.

      Thanks for reminding me!!!
      Thanks Jaq

      Your absolutely right. 2 different mentalities.

      We are all consumers when it comes down to it but being a smart business owner you should keep in mind how to be an educated consumer and buy the things that will keep you successful in your business.

      Whether it is offline or online.
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