On the next Little House in the Suburbs, a very special episode called Attack of the Roofers!

Here's how it went.

A couple of months back, there was hail in our neighborhood. And when there's hail, a truckload of out of town roofers follow. And the sound of my doorbell antagonizes Ranger and I all day long.

I get it, I really do. And most of the time, they're pretty nice to me as I tell them that we don't need anything. But there was one who really stuck out in the crowd.

When I answered the door, he was already mid-sentence. He also said, and I quote, 'I’ve seen your neighbor’s roof already, and he said that I should take a look at yours too.' All in that assumptive (dare I say mansplaining) tone of voice.

Really??

Seriously?

That line? You’re going to use that one on me?

Wow.

I'm generally an easygoing person, but this guy really stepped over the line. And I have a serious policy about those who use bro marketing tactics (insert evil laughter sounds here).

He'd continued on, blathering about something roof related. I interrupted him with one word: No.

And then I stopped talking.

He waited for me to explain, which I didn't. Then he started on the mansplaining again.

So. I locked eyeballs with him and said 'no' one more time. Then I crossed my arms and waited.

His reaction was nothing short of magnificent. I could see his little brain circuits malfunctioning. Cannot... process... Then he turned around and skittered off my front stoop. Seeing that guy turn tail was a moment of pure victory.

I bring up this victory moment for two reasons. One you likely already know: Do not be that guy. Be the opposite of that guy. Be considerate. Be thoughtful. I didn’t know this dude from Adam, and there was no way he knew me well enough to talk over me, let alone use the neighbor to manipulate me into getting a "free estimate" for my roof repair.

I stopped listening the second I felt disregarded. Your audience will too. Be the opposite of that guy.

Second reason: Maybe you don't feel like the model business owner today. Maybe you're not getting as much done as you want, maybe the results aren't what you want, maybe you feel so behind you'll never catch up.

But here's the thing: as long as you treat your people with care and respect, you're winning. Long after they forget what you might have said or done; they will remember how you made them feel.

Make your people feel seen, heard, and cared about above all else. And then finish your to do list.

Speaking of, I have a friend who is putting on a class for new entrepreneurs. His name is Dan Morris, and he puts out quality. What I like best about Dan is that he cares most about quality and cares not at all for hype and get rich quick schemes.

So! If you know someone just getting started in business, or if you're starting up something new, or maybe you just want to brush up on some skills - check out Dan's course. He's the real deal.