The Customer is Sometimes Rude

Business is not all fun and games. If you are running your own
business, you absolutely must have a thick skin. Being easily hurt
or upset isn't going to get you anywhere.

Imagine for a moment you holding a home party. As the guests are
looking at catalogs, one says "Look at this lamp, it's so UGLY!".
You note which one they are looking at, and realize you have one
just like it in your own home.

You have two options here. Either you get rude right back at her, or
you offer to help her find something more her taste. While the
second option is obviously the better way to go, sometimes we tend
to react on instincts first.

The same is true while networking and being active in business
communities online. While these places shouldn't be the main source
of customers, know you WILL sell to other business owners. If you
react rude to another WAHM, you are going to lose sales pretty fast.
Not only are you going to lose out on a possible sale from the
person you offended, but also others reading it too.

Customers and business owners are going to have opinions. No matter
if it's on your website, your products, or your method of marketing.
Some comments may be constructive critisism, others may be down
right rude. Regardless, fighting back is NEVER going to look good on
your part.

Granted there are always going to be those who will never buy, but
that still doesn't mean you should be rude back to them. Word
travels regardless of who they are, and your business is going to be
hurt. Always keep in mind that bad news travels at least twice as
fast as good news.

Bottom line - the next time you feel someone is being rude, grit
your teeth and smile. Getting down to their level never helps.
Besides, don't forget, you never know who's watching. You're a
business owner and your reputation is on the line.

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Kara Kelso & Anita DeFrank, owners of DirectSalesHelpers.com strive
to help women succeed in direct sales. For additional help with your
direct sales business, visit http://www.directsaleshelpers.com.