Take care of your people to avoid a situation like this

I just found out that my co-founder, who already stole a client from us, is now trying to steal another one of our top clients.

But rather than get mad or try to enforce the non-compete, I view this as an opportunity to make sure we are on our toes, delivering amazing value.

After all, like Ajay Kandala of Tuft & Needle told me as he was luring my co-founder away, if I did a better job in caring for our people, they wouldn’t leave.

He absolutely has a great point there. It takes two to tango, bro, he added— that even though he tried to lure my partner away, it took both of them to agree.

My number #1 lesson here— your competitive advantage is in your people, not your business strategy, money in the bank, or non-relationship assets.

Make sure, as you’re working so hard to grow your business, that you watch the back door and always take care of your people first.

I don’t believe the customer is always right. A bad client will lose you, great people, as I’ve seen with this mattress company.

Take care of your people, even if it means firing a client— even one that is a well-known brand.

Dennis Yu

Dennis Yu is a former search engine engineer who has spent a billion dollars on Google and Facebook ads for Nike, Quiznos, Ashley Furniture, Red Bull, State Farm, and other organizations that have many locations. He has achieved 25% of his goal of creating a million digital marketing jobs because of his partnership with universities, professional organizations, and agencies. Companies like GoDaddy, Fiverr, onlinejobs.ph, 7 Figure Agency, and Vendasta partner with him to create training and certifications. Dennis created the Dollar a Day Strategy for local service businesses to enhance their existing local reputation and make the phone ring. He's coaching young adult agency owners who serve plumbers, AC technicians, landscapers, roofers, electricians in conjunction with leaders in these industries. Mr. Yu believes that there should be a standard in measuring local marketing efforts, much like doctors and plumbers need to be certified and licensed. His Content Factory training and dashboards are used by thousands of practitioners.

Dennis Yu