You Can Make Millions by Reading This Column

Just like many of you, I have had the privilege of interacting with many businesses of all shapes and sizes. These interactions have taught me much about how to run a successful business and what it takes to maintain it. I also believe I have seen first-hand what not to do in business. Below, you will find my guaranteed notes on how to create a million-dollar business.

It all starts with service: If you want to make millions in your career—whether you own the business or not—start with a good service plan. For entrepreneurs, this means going above and beyond when it comes to customer service. There are certainly exceptions to the rule—in that once you have made it, you certainly get more leeway in the aftermath to your bad service. Case in point, I was flying back to Chicago from Atlanta after attending Franchise Update’s Leadership & Development Conference. Shockingly (not), my Southwest flight was delayed—not just a normal delay, but three hours. As I approached my first Southwest staff member, I asked if it would be worth it to try to switch flights, also asking if it was a mechanical issue. Without looking up he said, “I don’t know, you can do whatever you want.” His comment was pure rudeness for a company “known” for great service. The problem with this situation is it then happened again with the second team member I talked with. You see, if you don’t take care of your customer, someone else will. Although I will continue to fly Southwest (because it’s an awesome value), I write this column aboard a flight to Miami on American Airlines. We will see if they can service better.

Once you service, it’s time to do what you say you will do: The problem with that flight was that not only did Southwest not do what they said they would do (leave at a planned time), but they also gave attitude for no reason. This is what will kill a business—especially if it turns consistent. If you do what you say you will do, and when you don’t, you do everything you can in the calmest way possible to resolve it, you will win. At my agency, No Limit Agency*, we always try to do what we say we are going to do. In fact, this principle has really morphed into our one true core value: Give a Shit. When you Give a Shit, you have the opportunity to make millions, because you won’t let the little things get in the way of providing great service and results back to the customers.

After you do what you say you will do, it’s time to take care of your people: People are what will ultimately make you more money. Whether you are a senior leader who wants to move up the executive chain or you are an entrepreneur trying to scale their business, people are the secret ingredient to success. The quicker you realize this, the better chance you will have at being great. And, if you treat your people right, then they will treat your customers right and, in turn, will Give a Shit.

The reality is, it doesn’t take a lot, structurally, to be great at business. Following the above three principles will help lead you to great success—or, at the very least, give you a great fighting chance.