It truly is amazing, when you think about it, just how important the lessons we learned as children were. Even daily as I go through my business I remember these lessons and apply them to my business:

1. Don’t forget to say thank you. I always try to thank my client’s for their business and I also thank potential clients for the opportunity to tell them about my business. I think it is important to let others know that you truly value them and the opportunities they have presented to you.
2. Always be polite. Rudeness gets us no where in life and it certainly doesn’t get us anywhere in business. Having a cheerful and polite attitude on the phone, in person and even in our written word is key to our business. Afterall rude people and poor behaviors are not going to keep people coming back.
3. Stay away from bullies. Even in business there are those that try to “bully” us and get us to do things we wouldn’t normally do. If you have a client (or potential client) that makes you unhappy about your business or asks you to do things you are uncomfortable with, don’t be afraid to walk away.
4. Always give it your best effort. Any job doing is worth doing well … if you remember this golden rule, you can’t go wrong. When businesses fail it is usually because they have not put everything they have into it. They have a substandard product or service or the owners just simply do not put forth all the effort it takes to have a successful business.
5. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Remember your Mom telling you to “just try it you might like it”, well the same holds true in any thriving business. When your business becomes stale it is hard to keep your existing clients and attract new ones. Don’t ever be afraid to try a new marketing idea, try a new service, learn a new skill or “go out on a limb”. Keeping your business exciting and fresh is just what you need to be a success.
6. Be leery of strangers. Obviously we can’t say “Don’t talk to stranger” because most of our business growth has taken place from meeting new people and experiencing new situations. However, if your gut says that something doesn’t quite feel right, go with your gut. Unfortunately there are some out there that are just wanting to take advantage of you so don’t ever be afraid to ask for references, meet in public places and think twice before “saying too much”. Otherwise you might just find yourself with a less than desirable client, a competitor that has stolen your idea or a situation that is very uncomfortable.
7. Treat others as you would want to be treated. This golden rule is so important in business. Sometimes it is so hard to remember when others treat us with disrespect, but you will get so much farther in business by remembering that no matter what others do to you, treat them as you would want to be treated. Your mother (and you, yourself) will be proud of you.
8. Speak clearly when spoken to. Not only is it important that you speak clearly and confidently rather than mumbling or speaking so others can’t hear you, it is important that you are very, very clear in just what it is you and your product or service will and will not do. Do not ever leave people without knowing just what it is you do and/or do not do. If you want them to use your services or buy your products it is important that they clearly understand what you are offering.
9. Always admit your mistakes. The best business owners and most successful, are never afraid to say “oops” and more importantly never forget to fix things for their clients. Trying to hide your mistakes will only make things worse, I guarantee it.
10. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Even though it often feels, as a business owner, that you are “going it alone”, don’t ever be afraid to ask others for help. There are business experts and personal cheerleaders and supporters out there just waiting for you to ask.

When you truly take a minute to think about it, the basis for everything in our life started when we were children. Don’t ever be afraid to look to those centers of influence in your childhood (whether Mom, Dad, Aunt, Uncle, Grandparent, Teacher, etc.) for their thoughts on a situation because as you can see, they have truly taught you the basics of “everything” you know!!