As I expressed in a previous post, we are new to blogging.  Like every other newbie, we have been reading and following several bloggers in an effort to learn as much as we can.  There are truly some awesome bloggers out there with a wealth of knowledge to share and they give it  freely.

It has taken some time, but I realize (finally) that blogging is really no different than any other business.  Blogging has the potential to reach many more people than a brick and mortar store but the same principles apply.

It has always been our philosophy that in order for business to thrive, you must develop relationships with everyone you deal with.  Being open and honest in any relationship will take you farther than you may realize.

In my previous position, I worked with many different suppliers.  One of the suppliers had sent me (by accident) more product than I had ordered.  I had no trouble selling the additional product so I changed the invoice to include the additional quantities.  This, in my mind, was the only right thing to do.  I would have shorted the invoice if I had been sent too few so increasing the invoice for the additional #’s was only right.

The supplier called me after receiving the check asking me what I was doing.  I explained the situation to him and he said I didn’t have to do that.  I told him I did, it was the right thing to do.  It would have been different if I had not been able to sell them but I did.

He went on to tell me that no one had ever done that before.  He said that many would claim shortages on their invoices but no one had ever claimed that they received more than they ordered.  We had a good relationship anyway, but after that, our relationship was awesome.  Not only was it good for both of us, it was great for both businesses.

That is what it’s all about (or at least should be).  Developing open and honest relationships with everyone you do business with will benefit both you and your business.

What are your thoughts on this?  Have any of you had similar experiences?  We’d love to hear your stories.

Picture courtesy of  iQoncept