Bizlationships®️ Basics- The Golden Rule

I made three biz wishes at the end of 2025. Not only do want to see this change in others, but I also hold myself accountable to eat my own dog food on this one.

(FWIW, my dog is almost 20 years old. He eats healthier, more natural food than most humans. Pass the salt, his food is awesome.)

Here's my first wish:

❌️THAT OTHER BUSINESS OWNERS STOP TREATING RUDENESS AND GHOSTING AS A BUSINESS COMMUNICATION STRATEGY.❌️

Surely they STILL teach "no thank you" and the Golden Rule in kindergarten... yes? And parents must be raising their kids to know that honesty is the best policy, right? Even tiktok university supports transparency in business practices, doesn't it?

Let's make it cool to be mature enough to face what might be difficult conversations. It's a trend that deserves to go viral.

Let's normalize feeling uncomfortable and working through it instead of hiding from it.

Photo credit: STUDIO 151 PHOTOGRAPHY

This ghosting and running from obligations in business bullshit WILL catch up to you.

Most of you are nodding because you're sick of it too. You may be thinking, "SO GLAD someone finally said this, I'll drink to that!"

Photo credit: JUWAN DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Some of you are about to scroll away because you KNOW you're guilty. It's okay, you aren't beyond redemption! Start your journey to DO BETTER NOW- be brave enough to read on. 🫵🏾🫵🏼🫵🏿

YOU know if you've done it, why you did it, and when you were wrong to do it, but what you DON'T know is just how often it costs you.

❌️That perfect referral you never got.

❌️That "no they are not eligible for rehire" reply.

❌️That "trust a different company, trust me" whisper that spreads through your industry.

If you owe someone an answer or a dollar, give it. If you can't give it, SAY IT. We're grown ass business people- we can take bad news or consider negotiation.

If you aren't a fit to work with someone, that could be a temporary circumstance or one of us might know somebody who is a fit.

But if you don't communicate like a grown up, you lose the potential advocate you just shit on and lose them forever as a resource. People can sing your praises, or someone else's. YOU are the deciding factor...

Photo credit: BCP DETROIT | ALISHA NICOLE

COMMUNICATE LIKE AN ADULT IN 2026. You'll burn fewer bridges and maintain a professional reputation within your industry. Think about what the opposite means. Which do YOU want for your brand?

Thanks for attending my NeNe Talk, what are your thoughts on this subject...?

See you soon with wish # 2.