“Its just business”
You may have herd this phrase used in movies or tv shows. Maybe you may have even herd it from other entrepreneurs you know.
The majority of the time I’ve herd someone say the words “Its just business” its in regards to them taking some kind of action that has a negative affect on someone els.
As a leader you will have to make hard decisions however, doing business does not justify immoral or dishonest actions.
Making hard decisions in your business
Don’t get me wrong in my business, when I need to make a hard decision or have a hard conversation with someone I will do it. What I don’t do is lie and try to take advantage of people.
The game is not fair but you can still win
The game is not fair there are entrepreneurs who lie, cheat, steal, and take immoral actions to get ahead. Some of them have major success doing it.
As an honest entrepreneur, you still have a chance to make your vision come to life. It's good to be aware of what others are doing so you can find your way in your market, but don't get consumed by the immoral actions of others. Instead use others as a example of how you are different.
Being Transparent Vs Being Sneaky
Most who hide information are operating out of fear and scarcity that they will loose.
There are times when not sharing certain information can be the best move for your business especially if you do not fully trust someone’s ability to use it correctly. I do understand discernment is need when sharing information.
However when it comes to your business partners, consultants, or any other entity that is seeking to help you, the last thing you want to do is take advantage of them so you can cut them off all together.
It's best to be upfront about your goals of replacing someone in the future rather than trying to cover up your motives.
Once your partners, employees, consultants, and customers find out what you have been up to, it could backfire in a catastrophic way.
It could end up costing you more than just money. It could cost the trust of those who help you out the most. Meaning you may have to start all over again, have a bad reputation, and many other repercussions from operating under the “it's just business” mantra.
There are times when not sharing certain information can be the best move for your business especially if you do not fully trust someone’s ability to use it correctly. I do understand discernment is need when sharing information.
However when it comes to your business partners, consultants, or any other entity that is seeking to help you, the last thing you want to do is take advantage of them so you can cut them off all together.
It's best to be upfront about your goals of replacing someone in the future rather than trying to cover up your motives.
Once your partners, employees, consultants, and customers find out what you have been up to, it could backfire in a catastrophic way.
It could end up costing you more than just money. It could cost the trust of those who help you out the most. Meaning you may have to start all over again, have a bad reputation, and many other repercussions from operating under the “it's just business” mantra.
Honesty is a respected quality in life and business
Real life example:
I was helping one of my best clients with operations. I was also helping him train one of his employees. One day I was on a call
With one of his new employees helping him systemize and improve his workflow. Towards the end of the call the employee happened to mention something that his boss(my client) talked about.
He mentioned that his boss wanted him to learn all he could from me In hopes of fully replacing me. I also found out that my client told him to get educated as much as possible in so he could do what I was doing full time. My client had never mentioned it to me so it came as a shock.
As I mentioned earlier I have no problem with passing on what I know so people don’t need to be dependent on me to succeed. However I would much rather have client’s be transparent with me about it so, I can customize my service to what they truly want.
I was helping one of my best clients with operations. I was also helping him train one of his employees. One day I was on a call
With one of his new employees helping him systemize and improve his workflow. Towards the end of the call the employee happened to mention something that his boss(my client) talked about.
He mentioned that his boss wanted him to learn all he could from me In hopes of fully replacing me. I also found out that my client told him to get educated as much as possible in so he could do what I was doing full time. My client had never mentioned it to me so it came as a shock.
As I mentioned earlier I have no problem with passing on what I know so people don’t need to be dependent on me to succeed. However I would much rather have client’s be transparent with me about it so, I can customize my service to what they truly want.
Guard your time more than the information
When I found out about this I felt rage and like I was cheated on. However I quickly pivoted my operations based on this information to protect my time not necessary the information.
I contacted my client and told him that I could teach him the skills but at a separate cost. I changed my gameplan up, and re-evaluated how I structure my offer and plan with client’s. This also reminds me that not everyone lives on the same morals that I do even if there are many other things that I can relate to them on.
I’m not afraid of other people knowing what I know. But I don’t like is to be taken advantage of I will happily share with you everything you want as long as you’re upfront with me about what it is you need.
I contacted my client and told him that I could teach him the skills but at a separate cost. I changed my gameplan up, and re-evaluated how I structure my offer and plan with client’s. This also reminds me that not everyone lives on the same morals that I do even if there are many other things that I can relate to them on.
I’m not afraid of other people knowing what I know. But I don’t like is to be taken advantage of I will happily share with you everything you want as long as you’re upfront with me about what it is you need.
Do and say what’s needed it’s the best for your business and others involved in it
This was a good lesson for me. I’m not mad at my client. I myself have done immoral stuff and have felt the repercussions of it. One important lesson I’ve learned is to speak what you truly feel to people especially when you’re working with them.
A lot of business owners try to sugarcoat their words and intentions in hopes of not offending someone but all it does is create more doubt more fear more uncertainty about you.
So if you want to be someone who stands out in your market, be transparent and brutally honest. It is way more valuable than trying to hold back information to try to get ahead.
A lot of business owners try to sugarcoat their words and intentions in hopes of not offending someone but all it does is create more doubt more fear more uncertainty about you.
So if you want to be someone who stands out in your market, be transparent and brutally honest. It is way more valuable than trying to hold back information to try to get ahead.
It’s not just business, it is your life
How you do business is a reflection of how you do life. Why would anyone want to have any type relationship with you if you lie cheat and steal?