#wednesdaymusing Should your business continue to trend for the negative reasons ? In today’s competitive business environment, especially in a country like Nigeria where the market is tough and customer satisfaction is paramount, we can no longer afford to tolerate unprofessional behavior in the workplace. Poor attitude, rude behavior, and lack of discipline among employees have serious consequences—not just for individual businesses but also for the overall perception of the business. Recently, an incident at one of the popular malls in Ekiti State, went viral on social media due to the poor treatment of a customer. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case; rather, it reflects a growing trend of disregard for proper customer relations in many establishments. The situation became even more damaging because the affected customer happened to be a social media influencer with huge following, whose experience has now shaped public opinion about that business. This has inadvertently cast a negative light not only on the mall itself but also on the business culture in the state capital. No serious business should take customer relations lightly. A brand’s reputation is everything. Some businesses may believe that bad PR is only temporary and that customers will eventually return after the outrage dies down. However, when poor customer service becomes a consistent pattern, the damage is long-lasting. Customers always have alternatives, and even in the absence of direct competition, people will find ways to avoid establishments that treat them poorly. This is why human resource management must be prioritized. Business owners, managers, and HR personnel must ensure that staff members are well-trained in customer service, professionalism, and workplace ethics. Regular training and retraining should be the norm, not an afterthought. Furthermore, businesses must implement strict disciplinary measures against employees who repeatedly exhibit rude or unprofessional behavior. Recalcitrant staff members should face penalties, suspension, or even termination if necessary. Ultimately, businesses must understand that their success depends on how they treat their customers. THE CUSTOMERS PAY THE BILLS. As the timeless principle states, CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IS KING—meaning that customer respect and professionalism are non-negotiable. A business that values its customers and maintains a culture of excellence will not only survive but thrive in the long run. -AY Nigeria 🇳🇬 https://aynigeria.com