Posted by Yes, I said it: “Slimeballs”. We all know who they are. They come on strong, smile brighter than anyone else in the room, then push the hard sale. They then follow-up like no one else, relentlessly trying to get the sale. They find fresh blood in the crowd and go in for the kill every time. A slimeball will actually try to take away business from their own friends and team members if they see an opportunity. And if they are called on it, they will fight the accusations with technicalities of how this is a free world and they have the right to find business anywhere. A slime ball will advertise one thing, but once they have your attention, they try to sell a different, more expensive thing. Don’t be a slime ball! No matter what, don’t do what they do just because you think it may get you farther.
Ever hear the phrase, “Nice girls finish last”? The slimeballs believe this is true. Despite all they do, they truly don’t think anyone is on to them. Don’t be them! Trust me, we all are on to them. We would never admit it to them, and they will never know it because we just choose to silently, slowly start to distance ourselves.
Be proud of yourself, the services you provide, the products you sell, and the mission you stand behind. Be true to yourself. Living in an open, honest way will get you much farther in life than someone who has no problem stepping on others while on their way to the top. Make sure you show people respect. Being transparent and open to your audience will take you far because it will enable you to create a trusting relationship.
My foundation in running a business started back in college when I had the opportunity to be a Walt Disney World Cast Member through the WDW College Program. We were required to take classes through Disney Institute while also working our daily jobs in Walt Disney World. The most impressive lesson I learned was about gaining the respect of others. At Disney, you gain respect by earning respect. Disney is a bottom-up company and no one in a high position got there without first starting in an entry-level position. For example, everyone working for Disney started out in their jobs picking up trash. Even as a lifeguard, I picked up my fair share of trash. Picking up trash is not beneath any of us. All of the supervisors, managers, and directors above me taught me that by leading through example (I always saw them picking up trash, even in suits, if there was trash to be picked up). Their examples taught me that this is the only way to earn people’s respect and trust in business. Never think you are better than anyone else. Play fair. Open doors for others. Offer help if you have a free moment. The more you give to others, the more you will receive.
Trust me, the slime balls are in it for themselves. They are not there to help anyone but themselves. I would think it is lonely when no one wants to catch you when you fall. The rest of us won’t fall because we are surrounded by good people who will be there for us when we need them. The best way to compete with a slime ball is to start by disassociating yourself from them. Market in the completely opposite way they are marketing and continue your honest marketing strategies. You don’t want your good name tarnished. People will see the difference and seek you out, even if it means after trying out the hard sale slime ball first. Remember, people like to do business with people they trust and respect.
Some may say nice girls finish last, but they end up with richer, happier, more fulfilling lives in the long run. You will too.