I'm as guilty as the next small business author. I like to share the business owner personality traits that seem to go hand-in-hand with successful business.
But we rarely discuss the qualities you shouldn't possess.
Maybe we don't like to dwell on the negative. Maybe we feel that as long as the owner has the good qualities, he can also be forgiven for harboring a few of the bad.
Maybe we'd just prefer to keep silent and assume that small business owners hide their personality flaws by keeping to themselves.
These 10 qualities are not reserved for business types. Anyone can become infected. Also, like most diseases, it's a heck of a lot easier to get it than it is to get rid of it.
As I put this list together, I tried to stay away from non-business related traits. That is, anyone can have personality flaws that don't affect the way they perform in running a business.
These are the traits that do affect your business - any business, for that matter.
If left unchecked, any one of these ten traits could become so rotten it spoils all the other good apples in the bushel.
1. Thinking and executing like only a homerun will do. Do you believe that you will only be successful if you find the one great idea or business that will change the world? Do you constantly swing for the left field fence? Go after singles instead. Persistence and patience will pay off much more often than a "hit it big once" philosophy.
2. Don't sweat the small stuff. Unfortunately, the solo business owner has to carefully consider all the details of his business. The guy that ignores the details because he doesn't want to be bothered, or he doesn't have the time, will soon find he has all the time in the world on his hands because he won't have a profitable or lasting business.
3. I know what's best for my customers. Unfortunately, some business owners never think to ask their customers what they want. The owner assumes he is right, or is too bull-headed to admit he could be wrong. Your business is doomed if you guess wrong.
4. I don't care if this client never comes back. It's easy to blow off or shrug your shoulders at belligerent customers, time-wasters, and know-it-alls. But as soon as you do, it will come back to haunt you. One dissatisfied buyer, one offended prospect, and you run the risk of a guy that is going to single you out for his sweet revenge. Don't underestimate the damage that can be inflicted by one loud-mouth vengeful distracter.
5. Single-minded and utterly focused. This is a great quality - but only to a point. Solo business types need to be able to put the blinders on and execute flawlessly. But there should be a limit to the drive and push a business owner allows himself to accept. Those that neglect the really important things in their life (family, friends, health, service to others, etc.) will suffer in their business. Why? Because it will show in their personality, in their treatment of their customers, and their attitude about life.
6. Fault finder and critical of others' choices, attitudes, and opinions. Sometimes business owners feel they are the only expert around and they should be listened to and obeyed rather than questioned.
7. Unwilling to accept responsibility. Our actions and choices carry consequences. Business owners are sometimes quick to dodge theirs. "It's not my fault that you don't know how to use this product." "The box wasn't crushed when I shipped it."
8. Uncivilized. Some can't control their speech, their actions, and their inclination toward being crude, rude, vulgar, and obnoxious. Customers deserve better; in fact, they deserve the very best you have to offer.
9. Temperamental or moody. In a solo business, the owner literally becomes the business. He is put on stage and expected to perform without tirades, melt-downs, and uncontrolled temper tantrums. Opinions, personality, and idiosyncrasies are accepted . . . even encouraged.
10. I'm right and that's all there is to it! We know better. Business owners are sometimes guilty of close-mindedness. They believe that because it's their business, they have a right to reign supreme.
Do you have any signs of carrying these traits? If so, get some help in extracting them from your personality or business attitude. Your customers will not stand for continual abuse.
