Posted on February 22, 2012 by Dave Crenshaw
What if Martha Stewart Living approached you wanting to do a story about your business? Wouldn’t you jump at the chance? Well, this mystery business owner flat out rejected not only Martha Stewart, but many other offers for free publicity—including my own! In this brief video I’ll explain why this successful entrepreneur turns down publicity. I'll also share a few insights he has to teach business owners everywhere. Action Steps:
  1. Watch this video and ask yourself: Does my business provide an interesting experience for customers so they end up promoting it to others? If not, follow these tips to help you successfully build your business:
    • Create simple systems
    • Build loyalty in every single customer
    • Make the business focus about the customer
    • Be at peace with your business
  2. Share your perspective or ask questions on this page.
Principles:
  1. Having simple systems allows you the freedom to have everything in your business run consistently.
  2. Building systems that do small, nice things builds customer loyalty.
  3. Customers value their experience with your business over the actual product or service you provide.
  4. You don’t need to build a multimillion dollar empire to be a successful business owner.
This post was sponsored by the Dave Crenshaw’s  Coaching program. Would you like to make more money, make a difference, and still have a life? Click here to learn how about the coaching packages available: http://DaveCrenshaw.com/coach
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  • http://ExecutiveCoachEd.com/ Ed McDonough

    Joseph Campbell said: “Follow Your Bliss”

    When your doing what you love and loving what your do, nothing else really matters – it’s the same intrinsic reason why we help businesses grow.

    Thanks for sharing this story.
    Ed

    • http://www.DaveCrenshaw.com Dave Crenshaw

      Great quote. And to add what you said:

      When we love what we do, people (read: customers and employees) are naturally attracted to that. 

  • http://www.MyBusinessIT.com/ Theresa Schwab

    As a business owner myself, I can honestly say that being at peace in your business and earning a good living is truly invaluable.

    • http://www.DaveCrenshaw.com Dave Crenshaw

      Thanks, Theresa!

  • Brent Attaway

    I would have to say that the single biggest emotion I see small business owners struggle with is OVERWHELM. They have too many systems they think they have to build, too many tactics they want to try, too many training programs they dive into…and yet…they never seem to really do any of them because they feel overwhelmed with the complexity of they systems they are sold or they are attempting to create themselves. I can say firsthand that building and using smart, simple systems are crucial to enjoying your business and to creating profits for yourself. It just makes business fun and something to look forward to every day! Thanks Dave for the reminder of using simple systems to make my business enjoyable.

    • http://www.DaveCrenshaw.com Dave Crenshaw

      Brent, this is awesome. Sometimes entrepreneurship is this never-ending monster that “must” be fed. But we have a choice.

  • Nancy Davis

    Ah – I needed this today.  With the ever-present pressure to expand & grow, I often forget to enjoy where I am in my business right now.  Thank you, Dave.

    • http://www.DaveCrenshaw.com Dave Crenshaw

      You’re most welcome, Nancy.

  • Vprestia1

    Excellent video and interesting.  

    • http://www.DaveCrenshaw.com Dave Crenshaw

      Thank you.

  • http://www.DaveCrenshaw.com Dave Crenshaw

    One comment I didn’t make in the video and should make here:

    His business is actually very, very scalable, perhaps more so than most businesses I’ve seen. He just doesn’t want to. He told me he turns down twenty invitations to cater for every one he accepts. I think the deeper question here for all entrepreneurs is: where is your line? At what point will you have peace and contentment?

  • Marlene Chism

    I love your insights on this. One of the principles of my book, Stop Workplace Drama is that “Drama” is any obstacle to peace or prosperity. This guy had it figured out for himself. He found peace and his clarity is what makes his business work for him. 

    • http://www.DaveCrenshaw.com Dave Crenshaw

      Sounds like an interesting book. Thanks, Marlene!

  • Richard

    This mystery entrepreneur is living in the moment, and is at peace with himself. Making enough money for himself. What if he should marry, have children, or have to care for another? Should we as businessmen, artists, parents, and citizens be satisfied and content with the status quo? Does this man have or need a coach or mentor?

    • http://www.DaveCrenshaw.com Dave Crenshaw

      It’s not clear from your comment what your position is, Richard. It appears you’re implying that he is being selfish. Is that your intent?

  • Angy Ford

    My only comment:
    Hmmmm….really makes me think.

    • http://www.DaveCrenshaw.com Dave Crenshaw

      :-)

  • Dustin Smith

    Thanks, Dave.  I love dealing with people who find fulfillment in what they do for a living.  Apparently, this guy’s got plenty of it.