Business Development Brands

Let’s talk about something that makes a lot of small business owners take a deep breath, blink twice, and whisper, “Oh geesh, be a customer service representative.” Pricing. More specifically, the moment a customer looks at your price and says: “That seems kind of high.” “My cousin can make it for less.” Or my personal favorite- “I’m going to send you a lot of business.” Friend. That last one is not payment. That is a promise wrapped in glitter.

Have you ever noticed how you speak differently at work than you do with your best friend? Maybe your Southern accent gets a little softer during a business presentation. Maybe you avoid slang during a job interview. Maybe you choose different words when speaking to your grandmother than when speaking to your teenager. Congratulations—you've probably engaged in some form of code-switching.

One of the simplest (yet most impactful) takeaways was this: less TV, more reading. Whew. That one hit. TV is a time sucker.

Leadership isn’t just about vision, strategy, or decision-making. It’s also about example.

We don’t talk enough about the strange discomfort that can surface after things start going well in business. Not during the chaos. Not during the grind. But in the in-between — when the business is no longer struggling, yet the wins haven’t fully landed.

It’s a familiar scene in many classrooms and training environments. Students are present — but not engaged.

Starting a new year offers a fresh opportunity to set your business up for success. One of the most effective ways to do this is by establishing clear policies and procedures before customers raise questions or concerns. Having your availability hours, store hours, communication methods, refund policies, and cancellation rules in place creates a smooth experience for both your team and your customers. It also protects your business from misunderstandings and lost revenue.

In today's business playing field, the significance of etiquette is immense, particularly for small businesses. These businesses rely on each interaction to form a connection, making first impressions critical. A single misstep can result in negative reviews and lost customers. In this blog post, we explore key elements of business etiquette and communication that can help ANY small business thrive and create strong relationships with their customers.