Relationships are the foundation; it's where you have to start from. But it's equally important to remember and value those relationships once your company has 'made it' so to speak. Don't forget the horse that brought you to the race!

To me, that's like kicking someone in the face and saying, “Oh, but don't get physically hurt over that.”

Now, I'm not going to go cry in a corner when I get criticized, but when it's unwarranted and presented in a malicious or condescending manner, then I'm going to get pissed off.

People who say “it's just business” haven't really ever experienced the fulfillment and success that goes along with a business that is run with people who have hearts and compassion. It's a much better environment. I've been thankful to have experienced quite a few businesses run this way, so now I have a standard for myself. Any business that is cutthroat or incredibly insensitive, well, I don't want to work for them.

@Ashley – It is discouraging sometimes to see how the corporations and larger organizations operate, but as you said, I think the dawn is breaking for companies that are connecting with their consumers and building strong bonds and partnerships from within. You point out some great companies that are always at the top of the customer service food chain. 'Being nice' does sound a little cheesy, but it's the simplest way you can explain the phenomenon of small businesses thriving in this poor economy. It's all about involvement and establishing connections.

@LV – I agree 100%. Look at mission statements companies develop early on – they almost always focus on connecting with and providing outstanding service to their customers. But once the money starts rolling in and a company grows, you start to see a disconnect from the 'little people' – and hey, we are the people that got them there in the first place. It's all about give and take, and being aware of the market, customer needs and wants, and taking feedback and criticism and adapting a business to meet those consumer demands, but also going above and beyond to establish that personal connection. Building relationships and giving a reason to buy spells out big profits in the long run.

Relationships are the foundation; it's where you have to start from. But it's equally important to remember and value those relationships once your company has 'made it' so to speak. Don't forget the horse that brought you to the race!

To me, that's like kicking someone in the face and saying, “Oh, but don't get physically hurt over that.”

Now, I'm not going to go cry in a corner when I get criticized, but when it's unwarranted and presented in a malicious or condescending manner, then I'm going to get pissed off.

People who say “it's just business” haven't really ever experienced the fulfillment and success that goes along with a business that is run with people who have hearts and compassion. It's a much better environment. I've been thankful to have experienced quite a few businesses run this way, so now I have a standard for myself. Any business that is cutthroat or incredibly insensitive, well, I don't want to work for them.

@Ashley – It is discouraging sometimes to see how the corporations and larger organizations operate, but as you said, I think the dawn is breaking for companies that are connecting with their consumers and building strong bonds and partnerships from within. You point out some great companies that are always at the top of the customer service food chain. 'Being nice' does sound a little cheesy, but it's the simplest way you can explain the phenomenon of small businesses thriving in this poor economy. It's all about involvement and establishing connections.

@LV – I agree 100%. Look at mission statements companies develop early on – they almost always focus on connecting with and providing outstanding service to their customers. But once the money starts rolling in and a company grows, you start to see a disconnect from the 'little people' – and hey, we are the people that got them there in the first place. It's all about give and take, and being aware of the market, customer needs and wants, and taking feedback and criticism and adapting a business to meet those consumer demands, but also going above and beyond to establish that personal connection. Building relationships and giving a reason to buy spells out big profits in the long run.