I met with Stephen Lunn recently, an artist who has been part of the family-run business since 1974. The renowned foundry itself operating for over a century.
During our conversation, I asked Stephen whether he had any business advice, something he may wish to share?
Stephen thought for a minute before offering the following tips, genuine ‘gold dust’ in my view … fundamental points to pass on to any budding entrepreneur.
‘Charlie, there are many lessons my grandad taught me over the years, here are one or two I tend to stick by:
- Never denigrate the value of someone else’s services or business, certainly not publicly. If you have nothing positive to say, then say nothing at all.
- If you believe that a potential client proposition is wrong, then let them know why by advising them accordingly.
- Quality, a job well done, should always take precedence over time. There’s always seems to be time for a re-do!
- Make it special. Try not to compare your client’s project to similar work …
- Recommend others if you cannot complete a project. Share your connections.
Any of the above sound familiar?
‘Why are the above points so important?’ I hear you say?
Life is a circle.
Over the years I’ve found that what goes around, comes around. If you generate bad news you tend to be described by others in the same way. In the same way, by supplying only quality service or products, we’re positioning ourselves as a valuable provider and by making the ‘customer experience’ a special one, we’re more readily referrable. Likewise, by recommending an alternative provider of specific services we’re doing our reputation no harm at all.
In all aspects of life, we reap as we sow, and I’m a firm believer in that business should be a rewarding experience for all concerned, especially today!
Not forgetting … if we share smile, we’re generally receiving a smile in return.
People buy from people who they know, like and trust.
Thank you for the reminder, Stephen.
