The Promise I Made to Myself Before Starting My Business

I made one promise to myself before starting my business. I’ve never shared it publicly, although I’m not embarrassed to share it with you. Here it is:

I will never tell a client what they want to hear. Moreover, I will actively tell clients what will help them even if it hurts their feelings

Why This Promise?
When I was a young employee years ago, I had no idea how important this was. Then, I started to see a lot of pain caused by not following this. So much pain, it became a Commandment.

What kind of pain? 
-> Mass layoffs.
-> Family members who never speak.
-> Retirement funds destroyed.
-> Businesses failing.
-> Bad employees retained.
-> Trust shattered.

There were times when I had others break the promise behind my back. Now, the buck stopped with me and I had no excuses. I make a point to say the promise out loud often. 

What’s your promise to yourself? Shoot me back a private message. 

Thanks,
Josh

Sign up for this blog here if you want tools to increase the value of your business or want a refreshing view on business valuation from a recovering CPA. I’m Josh Horn, CPA, CVA of Horn Valuation. I value businesses for owner exits with a focus on HVAC and trade contractors. I also assist litigation and divorce attorneys as a business valuation consulting or testifying expert. My clients are business owners and attorneys. If you’d like more information, email me at [email protected], or call me at 217-649-8794.

I’m a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and credentialed in business valuation (CVA). I’ve been a tax and business consultant in a top 100 CPA firm and a controller in a large international company. I’ve also valued and advised small family-owned and multimillion-dollar companies. You can connect with me here on LinkedInFacebookTwitter, YouTube and Instagram.

“Once-in-a-lifetime events demand an expert.”
 Josh Horn, CPA and Certified Valuation Analyst