My guess is yes to all three. Why? I believe a grandmother represents what is good and admirable in people. Unfortunately, she does not represent how many business people do business. I believe that most businesses want to do business with people who are ethical. Business people, who tell the truth, admit when they are at fault and continually strive to build strong relationships that are built on a handshake and credibility.

Do you operate an ethical business? When people ask whom they should do business with, does yours come up immediately as the go to person because you can be trusted?
Do your employees respect you and say that you are a person who stands by their word? Do they look to you for strong leadership skills yet are they able to talk to anyone in management with a problem without fear of ridicule or blame? Does your company walk their talk?

Would your grandmother be proud of everything you do in your business and be willing to sit on your board of directors?

Build Relationships

Grandmothers know everyone! That's also why, as a kid, you could never get away with anything because Grandma would always find out. What's worse is that you would feel worse if Grandma found out more than your own mom!

Years ago, grandmothers were known by everyone in the community. Relationships were built because of the business you did with people. That business was ongoing. She knew the butcher and the grocer and the hairdresser and the banker. She was involved with the school system and new the teachers and the principal. She volunteered at different associations in town and was always helping less fortunate in her community.
Her faith was first and foremost in her life. Caring for others and what was important to them made her a person people wanted to be around when she came into a room.

Sounds like the golden rule of networking to me.

Business is built on building relationships and not by the newest and best communication skills taught at a seminar. Relationships are developed not fabricated. Friendships that are born out of business relationships are the strongest glue that holds a successful company together.

Grandmothers, no matter what their age, have lived long enough to gain the respect of those they influence. I don't think I look like the typical grandmother but my age and some of those laugh lines let me know that I have lived over a half century and have experiences to share with those who are willing to listen. From this grandmother and business owner, the best way to market a successful business is to build it on the basics of letting people know what you do, be ethical in everything you do and build a community of friends who do the same.

Want to see some grandbaby pictures?

About the author:

Anne M. Obarski is "The Customer Service Spy!" As a professional speaker and trainer, Anne will work with your company to provide you with the clues to keep your customers coming back. Anne presents keynotes, break-out sessions and customized training, nationwide, in the area of customer service. Youll want her two new books, "Surprising Secrets of Mystery Shoppers" and "Real World Customer Service Strategies That Work". For a limited time get her free, "10 Big Secrets to Giving Mystery Shopper Feedback and Get the Changes You Want", by faxing 636-922-2696 on your letterhead and write the words, BIG SECRETS. For more info go to: http://www.merchandiseconcepts.com or email Anne at anne@merchandiseconcepts.com

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