Play tough on both sides!

Play tough on both sides of the business equation.

One side is the supplier and partner side, the other is the customer side.

By playing tough I mean, play as though you are the boss and that your rules are to be followed everytime. Never play by others rules. Don’t be afraid of alienating suupliers and customers if they do not follow the rules you have setup to do business with you.

I have experienced this time and time again in my own ventures (7 years worth of whole-time entrepreneurial experience), that suppliers will use you if they see a possibility to do so. Customers have the same bad behaviour. If they can scam you and get you to lose money in order for them to gain, they will do it. And why shouldn’t they? I would (hey, I am no saint).

I am now telling you: Play hard, play tough, watch your interests. People who can’t or will not play by your rules are out (see Dan Kennedys NO B.S. book series to get a better understanding about this). Just fire them.

I can’t tell you exactly how many times I have wanted to rip my fucking hair of because of utterly stupid and scamming idiots who want to take advantage of me and actually have been too.

Take my advice, please:

1) Setup a very detailed  filtering process. Setup rules of conduct for suppliers, partners and customers to follow. If they don’t follow suite find new ones.

2) Pay as little as possible for suppliers services/products (though ask for high quality) and charge exorbant prices from customers and only serve those who understands the procedure. Those who actually appreciate your services/products. You only need a couple of returning customers and not 1000 of irritating “know-it-all”.

Don’t be afraid to be who you are and take pride in it. Don’t you dare to feel guilty to demand the price you want. If you feel guilty, slap your own face and wake up and tell yourself that if you need to justify your price to anyone, then kick those people in the ass and never let them approach you anymore. The same goes with suppliers who will not lower prices to suit you and your agenda. Kick those in the face and tell them of and ban them from ever doing business with you anymore, unless they convert and act smart (that is: doing things your way).

This is a revolution people: If you don’t act, others will and you will be the one left sucking stinking toes. Bad luck in that case I guess:).

Take care.