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October 18, 2004
Advice That I Never Think I'll Follow
Startup Journal offers an interview with Tom Peters. Now I must admit that I've never been a big fan of much of his work, but this quote from him is just, well, bizarre.
"SJ: Peter Drucker is famous for asking businesses, 'What business are you in?' What question do you think every business should ask itself?
Peters: 'Why should I fall in love with you?' You see, I'll add the passion to the Drucker thing. To me it's a big deal. Say I'm running a business and I'm trying to choose an accountant. And so I have 27 interviews and my question to you isn't, 'Are you a competent accountant?' -- that comes later on -- but, 'Why should I fall in love with you? What's going to make this a glorious relationship?'"
Now I've hired a few accountants in my day, and I can promise you that this is not a question that I would ever ask. And if I ever did, most accountants I know would be out the door before I finished the question.
Sure, you want them to be interested in what you do, seem motivated to work with you, and understand how to work with small businesses. And rather than ask 27 of them about "falling in love with them," find two or three through your network and find out which one will be the best fit for you and where your business is headed.
Maybe its time for Tom Peters to hang it up!
Posted October 18, 2004 05:02 AM
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» Falling in Love in Business from BusinessPundit
Jeff Cornwall thinks that there are some things that Tom Peters may be wrong about.... [Read More]
Tracked on October 19, 2004 02:07 PM
» Carnival of the Capitalists - October 25 2004 from The Big Picture
Hello and welcome to this week's Carnival of the Capitalists! We have an exciting and wide ranging line up, which I have tried to categorize ((futiley, I might add) for your reading pleasure. if I missed anyone's trackback, please email it to thebigpic... [Read More]
Tracked on October 25, 2004 12:08 PM
Comments
I would have to agree with you there. Some of the most brilliant people I've had to work with and for haven't exactly been my cup of tea personality-wise.
M
Posted by: Monica at October 18, 2004 10:44 AM
Not only is this a bizarre comment, but it could get you on the wrong side of a sexual harrassment lawsuit these days -- in addition to wasting your time.
Posted by: Anita Campbell at October 21, 2004 07:25 AM
Mr. Peters should probably consider a career change or perhaps retirement...
His comments are incomplete and misdirected. My company is in the IT consulting business. The assets of our company our are people and processes. The same could be said of an accounting firm (or any other professional services business). In the professional services industry, poor relationships are the one thing that can destroy your business. You can overcome temporary failures in other areas, but one bad relationship experience can make your company lose a customer for life.
I was quite intrigued by the concepts presented in the book "Love is the Killer App", by Tim Sanders. The author's defition of LOVE includes Knowledge, Network, and Compassion.
I don't think it's necessary to find a customer that shares your passion for what you do - after all, that's why a customer retains your services in the first place.
It is, however, important to "LOVE" your customers - as defined by Mr. Sanders. If you continuously educate yourself and share the knowledge, help your co-workers and customers and partners network with another, and show compassion toward people, you will add value.
Using that definition of "LOVE", I would say that it is VERY IMPORTANT for a business to evalute how it demonstrates LOVE to its customers. Definitely a good starting place for success :)
Posted by: Heather Brannon at October 21, 2004 03:44 PM
Tom Peters means well. He's fairly consumed these days with the 'women's' market...a very good place to be, but I wonder if he's mistakenly thinking a woman's need to build a relationship with you translates into wanting to "fall in love with you." He's wrong, if that's where he's coming from. We don't want love, we want respect and consideration. Tim Sanders gets the love thing right in his book. His examples include treating clients and customers as valued friends, which is the best approach. Everyone should be valued at the same level...men, women, clients, customers, all...regardless of the amount they spend with you.
Posted by: Yvonne DiVita at October 25, 2004 01:28 PM
at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. He consults with a variety of businesses on start-up and growth related issues, and with larger corporations on re-establishing entrepreneurial cultures within their organizations. Dr. Cornwall's current research interests include entrepreneurial finance and entrepreneurial ethics. He has authored or co-authored four books.
