By Tom Polanski

When people think of politics, generally one definition comes to mind – “poli” meaning “many” and “tics” meaning ‘bloodsucking creatures”. 

Joking aside, can a bunch of mud-slinging, under-handed politicians really teach you about running a business?  As it turns out, they can teach you a lot – both what to do, and what not to do.

Business and politics are more alike than most people would care to admit.  Politicians rally around one (or more) causes and encourage like-minded individuals to get out and vote for what matters to them. 

The crafty politician knows that without the people’s vote, he or she is finished, forgotten, old news.  They also realize that the people who vote hold the power over the direction of their state or country in the future.

Likewise, business owners and their employees must embrace their product or service wholeheartedly – and encourage customers to make an informed purchase. 

The business would not exist without customers, and businesses that fail to stand apart from their competitors will either be swallowed up by them, or tossed by the roadside, defeated.

In business, your customer votes with their dollar.  Businesses that lean toward unethical practices such as corporate greed, power struggles and prejudice are just as likely to be chewed up and spat out by the media as their political counterparts caught doing the same. 

Playing “fair” in business and in politics means recognizing your staff’s contributions and talents, as well as dedicating yourself to ensuring that you have the best product on the market – whether in terms of price, benefits, service or any other unique selling proposition. 

It also means that you must be “in the know” about what’s going on both inside your office walls – and beyond.   Take steps to help ensure customer and employee loyalty and be ready to protect yourself and your brand if needed. 

In the end, you’ll be rewarded with the knowledge that when your customer buys, it’s their vote that counts.