The 48 Laws of Power is a 1998 book by Robert Greene.

“Learning the game of power requires a certain way of       looking at the world, a shifting of perspective,” writes Robert  Greene. Mastery of one’s emotions and the arts of deception  and indirection are, he goes on to assert, essential. The 48  laws outlined in this book “have a simple premise: certain actions always increase one’s power … while others decrease it and even ruin us.”

These Laws of  Power are useful in so many of life’s situation and especially in business. Business is about power. As a business owner you want to have the power to control your destiny, as much as you possibly can. Small business owners need power, to a greater degree, because, often times they don’t have support systems, capital, or man-power to easily envision or maximize their companies full potential. Small business owners must also learn to manipulate situations to get the desired outcomes, for the good of their business and their pockets. When you are up against larger, more equipped competition (your small business v. Corporate giant), you must be more shrewd, more nimble, and more creative in planning and operating your company.

This is the first of a series of  posts that will look at The 48 Laws of Power; one law at a time. We will examine how these laws can be applied to you and your small business.

Law 1:

Never Outshine the Master!

Before you click away from this post in anger…. let me explain! I know that one of the reasons you set out to be a business owner, is the desire to be free of a boss (or master), to have some control over your schedule and financial independence; and here I come talking about … never outshine your master!

The truth of the matter is that we, as business owners, do enjoy a bit more freedom than the average employee, but we still do have ‘masters’ ! Think; your business actions and successes are largely dictated by your customers, vendors and regulators (IRS, various state regulatory agencies, etc.) .

Like it or not these groups of people can make or break you!  Never outshine them.

What I mean by out shine, in this context, is you should strive to be the humble party in your dealings  with your customers, vendors and regulators. You can maintain and exhibit confidence in your products or services, but you want to practice good relationship management when dealing with the people that help keep you in business.

One of the easiest ways to maintain a good working relationship is to be sure the people you need for your business don’t feel threatened by you or your successes. Often remind them of how valued they are, but more importantly, how much of your success translates into greater success for them.

Customers

This group is probably the group that has the most effect on your business. You don’t want to ever make your customers or clients feel like you don’t need or appreciate their patronage. Never make your clients feel that your success has made your company ‘above’ them or that you no longer feel that their business is worth your time. Here are a few ways to keep your customers feeling good about your product or services

Respond to Customer Needs

Dealing with Customer Complaints

Stay in Touch

Vendors and Suppliers

This is another critical group in relation to your business, but to a greater degree when your a small business. Building relationships with key vendors can allow you to grow your business, add new products or services and they lend credibility to your business. The main thing to remember with your key vendors is to never go into direct competition or do anything to make the vendors feel that you are negatively affecting their business.

example: If you get your ‘product’ from vendor A and you see that another company across town uses vendor A, don’t go trying to undercut vendor A and attempt to sell ‘product’ to the company across town because vendor A gives you a better price than the other company gets.

You can’t do business without your equipment, supplies, products and resources. Keep your vendors happy!

Regulators

This group can shut your business down. They are the Law. The best thing to do as a business is to make sure all of your licenses are on file and current, be sure your taxes are paid and documented and be sure you are insured and have the proper postings of all these documents if necessary.

On the occasions that you have to apply for licenses or if you have to be visited by an inspector of some type; be on your best behavior. You don’t want to come across as cocky or anything but humble and friendly. This type of demeanor may get you some leniency or a pass on a minor violation. Don’t act as if you are above the law or try to bribe the inspector.

Concluding

In all of this remember to maintain your confidence and excitement about your company. Never outshining your ‘masters’ does not mean that you be a door mat or accept sub-par services. It does not mean that the customer is always right (news flash: they aren’t) or compliance isn’t enough to satisfy your regulatory entities. It does mean managing relationships, using humility to get want you want for your business and playing on human emotions to affect the perception of your company.

Related info:

“To be humble to superiors is duty, to equals courtesy, to inferiors nobleness.” -Benjamin Franklin

“Be humble, for the worst thing in the world is of the same stuff as you; be confident, for the stars are of the same stuff as you.”
- Nicholai Velimirovic

From the Book:
Law 1: Never Outshine the Master
Always make those above you feel comfortably superior. In your desire to please or impress them, do not go too far in displaying your talents or you might accomplish the opposite – inspire fear and insecurity. Make your masters appear more brilliant than they are and you will attain the heights of power.