Mark Mikelat is a success expert for small businesses. From his 15+ years of consulting at Fortune 100 banks and major corporations such as Microsoft, Border Books, and IBM, Mark has discovered that people are people first and business leaders second. By implementing basic principles of respect, sincerity, and professionalism, you can grow you success.
He is business college faculty, and an author of multiple books. You can learn more about him at www.BuildingAspirations.com.
Criticism is good. Small business owners have a sense of well deserved pride in what they have created. At times this pride creates an almost parental like love for their businesses. Unfortunately, this feeling of parental obligation can cause an immediate rejection of any criticism, and this closed-minded view can limit your growth. Accepting criticism is a great way to grow your small business.
I am extremely straight forward with my clients. I tell them that “I will shoot you right between the eyes.” I is a warning that I will be very direct and specific in my critique. If there is something that my client is doing wrong, I tell them. I tell them why I feel that they are making a mistake, how they can fix it and I justify why I feel this way. Nobody likes criticism. I certainly don’t want it for myself, or my own business. Yet, I realize that to truly grow and improve, I need to accept it.
Let me share a story from a corporate client of mine. There was a high level executive meeting attended by the CEO and various senior vice presidents. This enterprise employed well over 10,000 people with offices worldwide. The CEO explained an idea of his. A senior vice president explained that he did not think it was a good idea and he, with the support of this experience, and market knowledge explained why.
The CEO replied with “If you want to keep your job, you should stop taking now.” This is a best example of NOT accepting criticism. The CEO’s idea was a bad idea and he chose to not accept any criticism. Even though the comments were justified, supported, and in the best interests of the firm, the CEO chose to vehemently reject them. Some time after this, the board of directors called for the CEO’s resignation.
Accept criticism. It is difficult, uncomfortable and even threatening to us as business leaders. Most often the criticism is not spiteful, but meant as a method of improvement. Somebody is going out of their way to point out a mistake or potential mistake in the execution of your business. I think that is a very good thing. I would love the ability to anticipate and avoid mistakes.
To strengthen and grow your small business, accept criticism.
Could you use more tips like this to accelerate the growth of your small business? Achievement thinking is a powerful concept that Mark Mikelat, the founder of Building Aspirations, www.BuildingAspirations.com, uses to coach his small business clients to double or even triple the size of their businesses. You can learn more and take advantage of a free strategic analysis at http://www.BuildingAspirations.com/BusinessSuccess.html. Also, you can view his books on Amazon.com.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- The Secret to Sales Marketing Success
- Simple Garage Sale Marketing Trick
- Sales Marketing: What You Need To Know
- Direct Sales Marketing Training: How to Sky Rocket Direct Sales Profits by 50% With Two Simple Words
- New York City Sales & Marketing Executive Jobs. Are you looking for a sales and marketing job in NYC?
- Increase Your Short Sale Marketing Efforts
- Increase Your Short Sale Marketing Efforts
- Increase Your Short Sale Marketing Efforts
I cannot trade my business after Christmas
By: Steve Thatcher | 27/11/2009Many people will now be realising that they will not be in a position to trade after Christmas. If that is the case with you, you need to be taking professional advice now!
I can’t pay my firms wages after Christmas
By: Steve Thatcher | 27/11/2009If you can't pay your wages this Christmas, and you worry how to tell your staff, read here and take inspriration. Make the call and restart afresh in the New Year.
I need to close my company after Christmas
By: Steve Thatcher | 27/11/2009Christmas can be a make or break time for a small business. Many companies decide to take advantage of the festive close down to re-structure their business. Here is how to do it
Commercial Concrete Repair Is Easier To Find Than You Expected
By: Jhoana Cooper | 26/11/2009Concrete structures are some of the leading types of building which you could find in today's culture. They are strong and dependable, offering a great deal of support to whatever type of environment is going to be located within. Just like any type of building, however, the concrete buildings will be in eventual need of repair as normal wear and tear will slowly start to weaken the entire structure. When you are in charge of a building and find that you are in need of commercial concrete rep
Three Most Important Essentials for Successful Internet Network Marketing
By: Jerry Clark | 26/11/2009The most important essentials for succeeding on the Internet for your Network Marketing business is the ability to drive traffic to your blog, website or social media site. Find out from one of the top Internet Network Marketing Trainers how to setup your blog for profits with FREE video training.
Enjoy Freedom and Flexibility with Teleconference Calls
By: James K King | 26/11/2009A teleconference is the ideal way to communicate without wasting time and money. No need to travel. Just communicate simply, efficiently and affordably.
Make the Most of your Conference Call
By: James K King | 26/11/2009With today's technology, conference calls have become a popular way of conducting business meetings, both nationally and worldwide.
Is your small business in trouble - 7 signs
By: Steve Thatcher | 26/11/2009Every business needs to be aware when it may be in trouble, here are seven good indicators.
Small Business Growth Through Evaluation Cards
By: Mark Mikelat | 18/08/2008 | Small BusinessDo you know how to use an evaluation card to grow your small business? This article tell you how to use a simple slip of paper to grow your small business.
Small Business Growth by Selling More Shovels
By: Mark Mikelat | 14/08/2008 | Small BusinessYou need to sell more shovels! You don't sell shovels you say? The idea of selling more shovels is a powerful idea to help you grow your small business. Read this article to learn more about this idea for explosive small business growth.
Small Business Growth Through Checklists
By: Mark Mikelat | 13/08/2008 | Small BusinessHave checklists? You need checklists! This simple strategy is a powerful tool to help you grow your small business. Read this article to learn more.
Small Business Growth Through Affiliate Sales Partnerships
By: Mark Mikelat | 06/08/2008 | Small BusinessHow can you get more sales without a larger sales staff? Affilate sales partnership are a great way to expend your sales reach without stretching your budget. This articles explains how affilate sales programs can help you grow your small business.
Small Business Growth Through a Powerful Tagline
By: Mark Mikelat | 05/08/2008 | Small BusinessDo you know how to create and leverage a powerful tagline for more sales? A powerful tagline helps your customers remember you and your business. This article explains the power of a tagline as a tool to grow your small business.
Small Business Growth Through Stupid Ideas
By: Mark Mikelat | 01/08/2008 | Small BusinessDid you know that stupid ideas are a powerful way to grow your small business? This article explains how the implementation of stupid ideas can create positive growth for your small business.
Small Business Growth Through New Uses for Your Product
By: Mark Mikelat | 01/08/2008 | Small BusinessDo you know how to get more people to buy your product? Find more uses for it! This acticle explains the why and how of growing your small business by finding more uses for your products.