I’ve met many really lovely business owners since I started out back in 1998, some of whom have gone on to become good friends. Unfortunately I’ve also come across a few absolute sharks who prey on the unsuspecting and trusting.
Savvy Tip #1
Only the other day I heard that an unscrupulous web design company were holding a business owner’s website and domain name to ransom – this happens far too often. Don’t trust anyone else to buy your domain. Use a company such as www.easily.co.uk if you’re in the UK (or www.godaddy.com also has a good reputation) and register it in your name – it really is very straightforward.
Savvy Tip #2
Sharks know how to hide their teeth and turn on the charm when they want to, and will promise you all sorts of wonderful results. Pause before you sign anything or part with money. Take up references, contact people who have given testimonials, check if they’re genuine.
Savvy Tip #3
Web 2.0 is the probably one of the best weapons we now have against business sharks. The word can be spread very quickly by dissatisfied customers & reach millions (just watch this amusing example which spread right across the internet and was reported by many online publications). Use the internet to search for mentions of people you’re thinking of doing business with and check out what people are saying about them in forums as well as amongst your Twitter friends. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Sharks can give the rest of us a bad name so it’s in all our interests to warn others when we come across them (always being careful not to say anything slanderous of course!). I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t trust people you meet in business – just that it’s a good idea to check them out before you trust them too much.
