Is it time to sack a few customers?

Andrew Griffiths
4 July 2008

Photo credit: ANTHONY GEERNAERT

The old saying goes, if you lay down with dogs, you get up with fleas. Andrew Griffiths explores a one-step treatment for sending negative people to the pound – even if they are your customers.

In my work with business owners around the world, I constantly reinforce the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. It’s something I’m extremely passionate about. From my experience, the biggest problem for many business owners is the people around them.

I often recommend doing a relationship audit. Are there people you need to get out of your life? They may be customers, staff, suppliers, friends or even relatives. Negativity kills passion and enthusiasm, but these are two things you need in abundance to build a successful business.

There are times when we really do need to sack a customer. The ones who are too hard to deal with, never pay on time and make you cringe when they walk in the door. One of the most empowering aspects of owning your own business is being able to choose who you deal with. Over the years, I have sacked quite a few clients and it has always been the best course of action. These days, I’m better at reading people and listening to my instincts. If it’s obvious from the outset we won’t be able to connect, I tell the new customer straight away. It’s hard the first time, but now I’m getting better at it. I end it before it has a chance to get ugly.

So who are the right people? I don’t see the point in having people who simply agree with me. It’s important for me to be surrounded by people who are positive about life and have self-respect, vision and energy. Intelligent people who will give you their honest opinion. Many business owners don’t have the luxury of a group of positive people. In fact, many business owners don’t have anyone around, negative or positive. This isolation is a also challenge. Today, we have the internet, and blogging in particular, to help us connect with like-minded people. If you’re struggling to find some inspiration, you can ofte tap a wellspring online.

Another great tool is to find a business mentor you can look up to: someone famous such as Richard Branson or Jack Welch. Read their books and websites. Find out what has made them so successful and why they resonate with you. Imagine them sitting on your shoulder every day and guiding you in your decision-making process. It may sound simplistic, but it helps.

Business success is 90 per cent in your head. If you have the right attitude, the rest will fall into place. Surround yourself with people who inspire and motivate you and you will notice the difference within days. Sometimes it’s not easy to cut the deadwood out of your life, but be brave, be strong and do it.

Andrew Griffiths is a small business consultant and author.

Avoid negative people... emigrate

When it comes to staying away from negative people, Australians are at a distinct disadvantage, according to A Global Projection of Subjective Wellbeing by Adrian White at the University of Leicester. The survey found the world’s five happiest countries were: