Balancing Business and Authentic Relationships

Running my business in today's fast-paced world sometimes feels like a never-ending drama-filled reality television show. There are so many miscellaneous characters who all want to have main character energy, but honestly, they are mediocre at best.  But in the midst of all the grind, it's not uncommon to come across people who, no matter how amazing they seem, are all about selling you something. It's like they're out there with their "sale swords" drawn, ready to pitch you the next big thing. And let's be real: most of the time, it's all talk and no action. But how do you deal with these people, especially if you have built some form of relationship with them?

It's a challenge many business owners face but don’t talk about enough. I've had my fair share of these unfortunate encounters. You meet someone at a networking event, they seem great, you hit it off - and then, bam! The conversation quickly detours to a place you know all too well. They have revealed that they are far more interested in what you can do for their bottom line than actually getting to know you.

It's so frustrating. In a world where real connections are like gold, it's disheartening when it feels like everyone's just trying to get in your pockets.

But it gets worse.

There are the salespeople who make big claims – they say their product or service is the magic bullet that'll make your business explode. They promise you the moon and the stars, but when the rubber meets the road, it's more like a deflated tire.

Here is where the trust issues kick in. You start questioning the sincerity of people's intentions and whether their offerings are worth your hard-earned money. It's like you've developed a "Spidey sense" for sales pitches. How do you tell someone that you genuinely like that the way they do business is subpar? I am sure honesty would be the right answer here. Use "I" statements to let them know your experience. Sticking to the facts with examples and leaving out the emotions. Maybe share how they can improve their process to make for a better experience for their client.

Ultimately, being a business owner is a crazy ride, and dealing with the pushy sales crew while keeping your integrity intact is all part of the roller coaster ride. Remember, there's a way to maintain genuine connections without falling for the hype. Be very selective in who you invest your time and money in because everyone is not as genuine as they appear.