What does polite mean?

The Oxford dictionary (on-line) says that polite is an adjective that means either courteous and well-mannered or cultured and refined as in polite society.

It has also been used to suggest that we keep our opinions to ourselves or be quiet about something as the British have been known to be.

What can we as entrepreneurs do?

We could say nothing at all but we are small business owners who usually offer and do what we think. That means that we probably speak our opinions out loud to everyone whether they're listening or not.

We could do a number of things.

1. When you own a business, you never know when you meet someone whom they know or what they believe. You could be in line getting groceries or training 20 people on how to write a newsletter or even networking and speaking with someone one on one. Whether you are a small business owner who is marketing on purpose or someone out and about meeting people, keep your controversial opinions to yourself.

2. You might find out what else a person does by asking different questions. Don't ask the same ones all the time like what is your business, what do you do, or a simple one like who are you. Ask these questions to learn more about the person themself and who they know.

3. Listen more and talk less. That means that you learn about them and their business. It's said that we each have two ears and one mouth for a reason. We should really listen to what the other person is saying then reply to what they said because we care.

4. Have an opinion but say it quietly and “nicely” like we Canadians. It's quite alright to speak of an idea that we have that is different from the “norm”. Saying it politely offends no one. If they take it personally then you haven't been the cause of that.

5. Say nothing. You could just be quiet. I know that's not the usual thing for entrepreneurs but sometimes it's best for everybody concerned.

Listen then speak and by all means have ideas in your head and tell them to others. Don't let this article stop what you say just how you say it.

2007 © Trudy Van Buskirk – Smallbizbuilder