In the 1972 movie, The Godfather, we hear Tom stating, “This is business, not personal!”
I lost track of how many times I’ve heard that phrase or variations like it to justify business decisions whether it be employer vs. employee or business vs. customer.
If your focus is building and maintaining relationships, the “vs” should always be a red flag. If your focus is on the dollar, then you might miss the “vs.” part of the equation.
How many of you have heard the phrase, penny wise and dollar foolish?
May I propose to you that if you believe “This is business, not personal” when it comes to any relationship, you are losing more dollars than if you treat every issue as being very personal?
How much longer do relationships survive if you treat each one with loving care? That each decision and action are personal to the recipient; and, their feelings always matter.
What’s the life time value of your customers? Do you want that life blood to be extended for as long as possible? Then consider making it very personal in the right ways.
What are your thoughts? Please share them in the comment area below.