Seven Things Business People Do That Really Annoy Me

Posted on 10. Aug, 2010 by Natalie Alaimo in Advertising, Blog, Branding, Facebook, Had to Share

There are some things that business owners do which really annoy me. Not only are they annoying, they make me lose trust and confidence with them and their business. How many are you guilty of?

1. Contact Details on Email
I don’t know how many times I needed to call someone and I find an email they’ve sent to me and their contact details aren’t there. It doesn’t take long to set up your own email signature which should include: your name, your company name, your phone number, your email address and your website. It’s a small thing that can make a big impact on your business.

2. Answering a business phone with “hello”
Are you running a business or a social club? When someone rings you, answer like a professional. This is more important for landlines as people are expecting an office to answer but equally as important for your mobile. Remember first impressions count, make yours the right one.

3. After an Event Emails
We have all received these and used to be guilty of them – but not any more. The same standard “It was lovely to meet you at xyz and here is my whole life story, if you or someone you know needs me etc etc”. The purpose of networking it to meet people and build relationships with them. Sending the standard stock response email doesn’t’ cut it any more. It doesn’t build a relationship. Personalise the email, mention something you discussed and start to build a relationship.

4. Email From Directory
Following on from the last point, I recently registered to attend a networking event but didn’t make the actual event as my car had other ideas. However, at this event they provided everyone with a directory of all registered guests. Great, that makes it easier to contact the people you met. Not so great when you didn’t attend and you get 10 “it was great to meet you” emails. Really people, how is it that you are still in business.

5. Selling Without Building A Relationship
People buy from people they know, like and trust, so don’t try to sell to them before you start building a relationship. I recently had someone add me on Facebook, they then sent me a message about themselves and their company. If that wasn’t bad enough, they then spoke to me on Facebook chat. No, hi, how are you? We have this and that special. Needless to say they weren’t my friend for very much longer.

6. Creating a Personal Facebook Profile Under A Business Name
I can’t believe how many times I need to repeat this: People buy from people they know, like and trust. They don’t buy from companies. Not only is creating a personal profile page under a business name against Facebook Terms & Conditions, it’s annoying. If you have a business, set up a Facebook Page (contact me if you want to know the difference or need help setting one up). Use your personal profile to build relationships with potential & current clients. People are buying from you, not your company. Facebook are cracking down on this and will close down these accounts. You have been warned.

7. Think Your Business is Different
Yes you sell green widgets and I see blue widgets, but you know what, we all need customers, otherwise we don’t have a business. To get customers you need to market your business and the marketing principles don’t change from one business to another. Yes the tools, medium and strategies may vary but in the end your business isn’t any different and you still need to market it.

Oh, ok I’ve finished ranking for the minute. Please let me know what you think? Agree? Disagree? Any that I have missed? Please comment below, I know you want to.