101 Ways to Destroy Your Business

We've all heard countless ways of attracting, and retaining our customers, but has anyone thought of spelling out the ways to kill your business?

Ed has: he created a fascinating document for those who can't go out of business fast enough. Originally posted on triiibes.com, a website to discuss new marketing and group behaviour. Ed has given us permission to share it publicly with his blessing.

Sometimes thinking backwards can help us think forward.

Some of my favourites are:

1. When you have a great product that’s selling well - look for ways to make it cheaper – your customers won’t really be able to tell the difference.

11. Use focus groups – don’t engage in real conversations with customers.

18. Don’t empower your customer service people to make wise decisions that make customers happy.

47. Make sure everyone in your company understands that people are loyal to products and brands, NOT other people.

48. When marketing – shoot for the masses – you know – the biggest audience – like the Super Bowl.

71. Only hire big “well-known” consulting firms to help you. After all, they’re the only people who know anything.

86. Punish those who challenge the status quo of your organization

101. Always charge for ice. If a customer refuses to pay for ice with his/her tea – give them hot tea without ice. How dare they try to pull one over on you!