HOW HARD SHOULD YOU WORK?

For years, there's been a drum-beat that we "should" work
less and make more. The theory is that by being smarter and
more efficient, we should make more sales, and have more
profit for every hour we work.
I like the theory. I'm not sure it's that simple.
The reality is that the those who work hardest often seem
to make the most money. Beyond that, it seems to me that
the world actually prefers low prices, and that Sam Walton
(founder of Walmart) did alright by lowering prices and
making a bit less on every sale.
Now, obviously, we all want to be efficient, and we all
think we're just a bit smarter than the next competitor. We
are all looking for an "edge" to get ahead, and I suspect
that will never change. But I also think there is an
obvious edge we tend to over-look.
Customers actually like businesses that go the extra mile!
They prefer companies that answer their phone. They do
business with people who give superior service, and who
seem to care about customer satisfaction--actually, I like
companies that refuse to "satisfy" me and seem determined
to amaze me! And all of that requires hard, hard work.
Here's an old "law" of business: focus on the life-time
value of a fanatically loyal customer. Focus on the value
of a customer who sees him- or herself as your partner,
rather than as just a "shopper." When your customers refuse
to deal with anyone but you, your fortune is assured. How
hard should you work? About that hard.