I learned some of the most important business lessons from my dad and my mom. Dad was a wild Texas business (bid’ness) man who gave me valuable but simple rules for how to conduct business…and live life. My mother valued good manners and she made sure we did too. Or else.
Blue Collar Business Rules from My Dad
The Grandma Rule – Act like your grandmother is in the room with you. If you wouldn’t say it in front of her, don’t say it in a business setting.
The Secretary Rule – Be nice to everyone. Show every person respect. It’s the right thing to do and it’s good business. People are always nice to the CEO—-but not that many people treat his/her assistant well. But the fact is, much of the real work is done by the the CEO’s assistant.
The Checking Account Rule – If you wouldn’t write a check for the advertising/sponsorship out of your personal checking account, why would you expect the client (or your boss) to pay for it?
The Know It All Rule – The people that act like they know it all usually don’t. The smartest people I know aren’t embarrassed to admit they are still learning.
Good Manners as Business Rules from My Mom
The Thank You Note Rule - Taking the time to write a note to someone shows them you are grateful for their time or their gift.
You can read why I call these rules The Pi Phi Speech by visiting my post from yesterday. I am going to write about how each of these rules can be used over the next few days.
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