How to Build Civility into Your Business Plan

There’s something about a depressed economy that triggers people to take a giant leap of faith into starting their own business. It’s no wonder why many new businesses emerge nowadays as pink slips lurk in the Human Resource department and packages labeled “early retirement” swagger into organizations forced to “reorganize”. Perhaps you have been prompted to seek entrepreneurship as your calling?

In the book, Incredible Business, “Getting Through the Maze of Starting a Business,” Sylvia A. Stern shares what has helped her establish and maintain a successful business for sixteen years. Understanding the trials and tribulations of those who have struck out on their own is smart preparation in putting together a business plan. Sterns stresses making time to interview people who have made it in on their own and studying what did and did not work for them. Her excellent business start-up recommendations are incredibly resourceful.

Let’s add to your business plan how you will conduct yourself personally and professionally. Success requires creating a great product or idea, but operating without a code of good business behavior spells trouble. Here are easy solutions to help you incorporate civility and respect into your plan so you don’t lose sight of what truly matters: happy customers.

Write in a Code for Civility

How will you act at work? How will you treat your customers? Does your dream business compliment your work ethic? Here’s a hint to help you get started on a Code of Civility. Write down how you like to be treated by people. Take your ideas and establish your own Code of Civility for how you will treat customers and co-workers.

Dress Up Your Plan

Never underestimate the power behind a detailed dress code. Determine your dress code by your audience. Think of your customers; how do they dress? What would make them comfortable? Do you dress like someone they can trust? For more insight into how to orchestrate a class act image, read the chapter, “How to Create Impact with Your True Class Act,” found within the must-have resource, Incredible Business.

Be Original

Remaining true to who you are is critical. Too many times people ride on the coattails of others, which can cast a label of “unoriginal”. Keep in mind that you can be original in a sea of multiple competitors. Ideas on how to blaze your own trail will come when you recognize your own uniquely valuable contribution to the world..

Interested in additional business etiquette? You might enjoy one of my favorite business reference guides, Incredible Business It highlights success strategies that will assist entrepreneurs, business owners, sales professionals and consultants in getting started in business and staying with the game.

Tiffany Nielsen, President of Premier Etiquette, is a sought-after speaker and workshop facilitator. She is co author of the books Incredible Business and Power of Civility. She thoroughly enjoys motivating professionals, collegians and youth to tap into etiquette and civility as tools for elevating personal success. Visit her website at www.tiffanynielsen.com to get her special report and to join her blog.