I've heard it more than once with small business owners. Can nice people really make it in business?
Just answering this question, I think, gives it more legitimacy than it deserves. Of course "nice people" can make it in business.
The real issue in this question is not whether nice people can make it. The real issue is that some business people have this feeling that being nice is some type of liability, that wanting to put other people first, to help other people as much as they can is something that business can't reward. Wrong.
First, it's important as a business person to accept and come to terms with the inherent qualities you have. Otherwise, you'll be frustrated all the time and that's no way to live.
You can apply certain relational strategies, but only within the scope of the fundamental qualities that are unique to you. In fact, you just might find that, as a business owner, your fundamental traits as an individual will be an important factor of your business model and that finding a positive connection there could mean the difference between business success and failure.
Be nice!
