126. Lessons we should unlearn as business owners

Some of the phrases that we hear over and over again in business can actually be pretty damaging to our business, our mindset and our self esteem. This episode is going to debunk these phrases in order to help you stand your ground and build your business in a way that works for you!

Phrase #1: "The customer is always right".

I feel like I've heard this one since childhood! But it totally strips away the fact that you've developed an expertise for your craft and your industry. If you think about this type of phrase being used in other industries outside of customer service, it would simply never fly!

In fact, many times our customers admit that they are a bit clueless as to what to order and how to put together their decor. These are my favorite types of customers because it allows me to show them how impactful balloons can be for their event.

Phrase #2: "Under promise and over deliver".

This one can really get you into trouble, and here's why:

it means you're undercharging
it forces you to over deliver for that customer time and time again

I'm a true believer that just doing exactly what you said you were going to do will still put you above a lot of the competition.

Phrase #3: "You can't teach an old dog new tricks".

I think we all know by now that if you don't keep up with the trends (and even the technology) of the industry, you're going to lose business quickly. Sometimes it's beneficial to stick to what works, but sometimes it's flat out resistance to moving forward.

I do, at times, feel myself turning into an "old dog" in certain areas of my business, but I'm committed to keeping my eyes and ears open to the different ways of doing things. I encourage you to do the same!

Phrase #4: "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

Yikes. I think this one is really unhealthy! And yes, I'm calling out our social feeds. There's just no reason to fill our feeds and our days with pictures of things that bother us. I can't find anything beneficial about it.

How about we just keep our friends close and care less about our enemies?

Phrase #5: "Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life".

So this one is a yes and no from me... I get where it's coming from, but there are still, and always will be, hard days in business.

I'm here to try and normalize the idea that we all go through times when we aren't quite sure if we've made the best decisions. If we're doing something wrong because we're not happy every minute of every day while running our businesses.

I can almost promise you that by sharing your hard times with people who understand, you'll bounce back so much faster than you ever could by yourself!

Phrase #6: "You are not your ideal client".

This one might not be a popular opinion. I spent so long in the mindset that I wasn't my own ideal client. But after learning about money archetypes from Denise Duffield-Thomas, and areas of innovation from Mike Michalowicz, I've changed my ways.

I've identified that I'm all about convenience and I'm doing all I can to attract customers that feel the same way. In fact, I think there is an advantage to knowing that you are your ideal client. It's given me a lot of clarity for how to do things in my business.

Phrase #7: "A rising tide floats all boats".

So this one basically suggests that as the industry grows, it's better for everybody. I do think it's true, but I also think it's different from the idea that "we're all in this together".

The reality is that we're all still running businesses. I may have put myself in the position of being an industry educator who is transparent and open, but that definitely doesn't mean that all businesses are the same. They are simply focused on their own business... and that's ok!

I hope we can all remember that yes, the more good balloon art that is out there will help us all, and if we can commit to keeping the competition healthy we can all grow our businesses in the way that feels best for each of us!

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

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Balloon Suite

Ep. 92 Free ways to over serve

Ep. 105 Money Archetypes

Ep. 107 What are your money sabotages?

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