Are You Profit-Oriented or People-Oriented in Business?

If you want to run a successful business, there’s no better way to do so than by consulting successful business owners. This way, you get advice straight from the horse’s mouth. After all, if you wanted to be in a successful relationship, you would probably take advice from someone who was already in a successful relationship. And if you wanted to write a book, you would probably take advice from someone who had written a book. The same goes for advice about running a business.

But keep in mind that different business owners might have different ways of doing things. So not everything you hear is going to be a hard-and-fast rule.

Business Owner Type 1: Profit-Oriented
Some business owners are very fast-paced. They believe in being strict with their staff, negotiating every business deal to the max and focusing on profits above all else. This might be the type of business owner that people generally picture in their minds—the type that focuses on working long hours, staying on the ball and being market-savvy.

Business Owner Type 2: People-Oriented
There are also other business owners who are more laid-back and intuition-oriented. These are the kinds of business owners who may not speak much. They’ll negotiate deals, of course. Every business owner believes in the power of negotiation. But they may not try and wring every last penny out of their business associates or customers. Still, these are the people who know a good deal when they see it. These business owners are good judges of people. They rely on first impressions. And, in general, their first impressions are right. These are the kinds of business owners who will be able to retain employees and customers in the long run. They inspire loyalty because they pay people what they’re worth and treat others as human beings.

What Type of Business Owner Are You?

So if you’re trying to decide what type of business owner you should be, keep these two opposing types in mind. Both might be successful. But you have to be true to yourself when you decide on your management style.