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Seven Deadly Business Sins - 6. Greed

Greed - number 6 in a series of articles outlining seven common business mistakes to avoid. Kindly supplied by Jane Buswell of Business Fulcrum

Greed is said to apply to an excessive desire and pursuit to possess wealth, status or goods with the intention to keep it for ones self. The worst way in which to fall foul of this is to tell a client that you can do more than you actually can. You know the type of conversation...

Thanks for all the great copywriting. Were going to produce a brochure - can you recommend a graphic designer

I can do that for you

What? Graphic Design, I didnt realise you did that as well.

Oh yes logos, business cards, brochures whatever you want

The point is you cant, not really and there is only one way this is going to turn out:

1. Youre going to be stressed out of your mind trying to produce something beyond your skillset
2. Your previously satisfied client is going to be dissatisfied and unlikely to use you again
3. Your professional integrity is going to go down the drain.

So dont do it, I know it would be nice if clients spent a bit more with you and not with someone else but honestly its not worth it.

Think collaborate not elaborate.

Greed is also said to be about acquiring more than one needs or deserves. Sometimes this is evident in an entrepreneur having a finger in several pies. This often happens because they love the research and setting up of the new but not the tedium of running the day to day business. The problem with this is on several levels:

- To coin a phrase he is likely to be considered a Jack of all trades and master of none

- His contacts are confused about the potential clients they should put forward to him

- Focus, energy and funds are all diluted – probably at the cost of all his businesses!

Greed? Just say no!

Jane Buswell
janebuswell@businessfulcrum.co.uk
07966155518
Follow Jane on her blog: http://businessfulcrum.blogspot.com

Jane Buswell
Business Fulrum

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