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Sharing the good and bad of starting a business…As it happens to us! Sometimes it’s not so pretty.
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Constructive Criticism, at least that’s what I thought.

December21
Constructive Criticism, at least that's what I thought.

Okay…I tried to give some ‘Constructive Criticism’ on Facebook tonight (maybe that was my first mistake…talking to people), and it didn’t really go so well. I got a simple minded, fast typing (I know it was fast because so many words were misspelled), fast to shoot & slow to ask questions response back from the guy. I will not mention his name, but I will show you the messages that were sent. I really want to know your thoughts, was I out of line?


My message to him (Sent at 9:56PM) ::

Hello (Person not to be named),

This is Chais Meyer. I wanted to write you to ask a favor from you/give you some advice, I’ve received a request to become a fan of Tri-City Delivery Co. for about 3-4 weeks in a row. I LOVE business and I also LOVE social networking, but for me it is very challenging when the two get mixed together (it is what Seth Godin talks about in the book “Meatball Sundae”). I would appreciate it if you would stop suggesting that I become a fan of Tri-City Delivery Co.
Frankly, it gets pretty annoying having it show up in my email. If I believe in Tri-City Delivery Co., as a business I should become a fan of, I will do it on my own. Fans are not people that should get their arms twisted until they give in…they are people that will bend over backwards to make your company better…because they believe in you until the end.

I’ve almost lost a few friends by doing the same thing you are with Tri-City Delivery Co. So, if I can give you a word of caution/advice, don’t make the same mistake I did by trying to push business in a place where friends meet. Please read the book “Meatball Sundae”…it will help explain both sides.

Thank you very much,
Chais Meyer
(c) 402-419-1202

His Message in reply to mine (Sent at 10:07PM the same day)::
I am sorry if my suggestions offended you… I seems silly that you see adds everytime you log on to facebook but would be offended by a page suggestion once a week. Or maybe your just trying to sell me a book? IDK but I will take of it you won’t have to click the ignore button anymore.
I’m not really sure why I’m writing this blog post, I guess it’s because I’m frustrated that I got such a fast (11 minutes from when my message was sent, until I got his reply back), childish reply back (By the way…he took me off his friends list as soon as he sent his message). I would imagine (or at least hope) that if someone sent me a similar email, that I would be able to take some time, think about what I was going to say and then write something that is a “sure, no problem…I’ll stop sending it to you. Thanks for giving me this feedback” response.
Who knows though; if I was him, in his same life situation, I probably would have done the same exact thing. Think about that statement…it’s a mind trip.
This post should be about lines…When/where you draw them and how you react when you face one.
You know what’s funny? If he would have said “I’m sorry man, I just love this company so much that I want everyone else to know how great it is…” I would have probably become a fan of this biz right then (or at least take a new look at it)…funny how that works!

Anyways…It’s something to think about in our own lives.
Have an Awesome Day & be more like Bambi (receive criticism graciously)!
~Chais Meyer
posted under Business, Life
3 Comments to

“Constructive Criticism, at least that’s what I thought.”

  1. On December 23rd, 2009 at 11:07 am Thomas Hiatt Says:

    Great post Chais!
    Its interesting how people take constructive criticism. You may look like the bad guy when giving criticism but a lot of times its needed to improve. I can understand your frustration and I think you did a great job with your email. You did give great constructive criticism and I commend for that. Key word is Constructive. A lot of people don’t see it that way.

  2. On December 23rd, 2009 at 11:20 am Chais Says:

    Thomas,

    Thanks man for your comment!
    I’m glad that you gave me good feedback, it’s nice to hear that I wasn’t out of line and that CONSTRUCTIVE criticism is a positive thing.

    If you have any ‘Constructive Criticism’ for me, anytime in our future…please let me know.

    Thanks again,
    Chais

  3. On December 23rd, 2009 at 12:59 pm Kelsey Says:

    Hey Chais,
    I don’t think you were out of line at all. I once received a friend request from someone 4 times before they finally realized that NO! I didn’t want to be their friend. Not everyone takes the social networking thing serious in that they’ll follow anyone, be friends with anyone, or so on….
    I love that you stand by your beliefs - even in something as simple as not becoming a fan just because someone suggests it.

    I say you are better of not being friends with someone so simple minded. Like Thomas said, the key word is “constructive”. Too bad he didn’t see it that way.

    Keep it up!

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