In other businesses, I have traded services for services with other independent business owners. And I decided that this time, I was not including it in my business model. There are serious benefits to each person paying for the service they receive, and creating a clear, direct understanding of the cost of being in business is just one of the benefits.
The situation we were talking about including people and offerings I really want to support: and before I even really thought about it, there it was! The trade idea popped out of my mouth.
I had to back-track. So, I got to apologize for what I said and take it back. Specifically highlighting that I had made a mistake and said something that wasn't true for me any more. Not my favorite thing to do. Still, it's a lot easier to admit it, apologize and correct it than misleading someone I like and respect.
What's the upside? First, there's the perceived value of admitting a mistake and being willing to make it right. Second, some mistakes are gold mines!
I believe most of are really doing the best we can. And sometimes, mistakes happen. I know on Friday I was having a conversation with a friend and college about a possible business partnership. And at one point I found myself saying something that wasn't actually true: I was speaking of a business practice I've used in other businesses, that I have specifically decided not to use now.
In other businesses, I have traded services for services with other independent business owners. And I decided that this time, I was not including it in my business model. There are serious benefits to each person paying for the service they receive, and creating a clear, direct understanding of the cost of being in business is just one of the benefits.
The situation we were talking about including people and offerings I really want to support: and before I even really thought about it, there it was! The trade idea popped out of my mouth.
I had to back-track. So, I got to apologize for what I said and take it back. Specifically highlighting that I had made a mistake and said something that wasn't true for me any more. Not my favorite thing to do. Still, it's a lot easier to admit it, apologize and correct it than misleading someone I like and respect.
What's the upside? First, there's the perceived value of admitting a mistake and being willing to make it right. Second, some mistakes are gold mines!
Like Belly Flops(TM)! We stopped at the Jelly Belly(TM) Factory in Fairfield enroute to Lodi this weekend. They have a 3-level sorting system for removing jelly bellies that meet the size and appearance standards from the packaging system. What happens next is fun, cool, and smart business: You can buy Belly Flops for a greatly reduced price at the factory. The flops are so popular there are literally cases of them on the salesfloor with busy workers opening the cases and handing out piles of bags to enthusiastic consumers.
Both of these ideas demonstrate a couple important things about mistakes, and they ARE going to happen, so don't be surprised when they happen to you and your business. It's an important part of being in business for yourself. And, from them you can learn...
- How to respond quickly and effectively to errors when they happen with customers. Just like any relationship, errors left unattended can easily become problematic.
- Many flops are opportunities for innovation and new offerings.
Good luck and stay balanced as those opportunities for recovering from mistakes will happen!
Wishing you Success & Heart,
Heidi Sue
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