💡 Don't Launch Like This (Issue 129)

Be careful with first impressions

A local business here is already making a poor impression before they open their doors for the first time. Check this out.

Who posts a list of 17 rules on the front door of their establishment? At first, I thought it would be some fun rules like, “It’s okay to eat dessert before dinner!”

But, oh no. These are not fun rules.

Here is the text, if it’s hard to read them in the photo above:

We’re excited to have you! To keep the vibe fun, friendly, and enjoyable for everyone we kindly ask you to follow these house rules:

1. Order First, Seat Yourself - Grab your food, grab a seat, and enjoy.

2. No Outside Food or Drinks - We've got plenty of options here!

3. Respect Staff & Fellow Guests - Kindness wins.

4. Clean Up After Yourself - Leave the table, and restroom clean after use.

5. No Loitering - Enjoy your meal and the setting, please free up space if finished.

6. No Reserving Tables Without Food - Space is first some first servered. (Yes, it is misspelled on the sign)

7. Watch Your Kids - Family-friendly, but let's keep it safe.

8. No Smoking or Vaping - Inside or near the entrance.

9. Be Patient During Peak Times - We'll get your order out hot and fresh!

10. No Pets Inside - This will make things very unsanitary for a food establishment.

11. No Harassment or Disruptive Behavior - You will be asked to leave or PO-PO.

12. Take Leftovers With You - Minimize food waste.

13. Follow Staff Instructions - We are here to help you.

14. Report any Issues to Staff - We are happy to fix things when needed.

15. Come Back Anytime - We will have events we know you will enjoy.

16. Restroom For Paying Customers ONLY - Public restrooms are down the block.

17. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE TO ANYONE!

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Judging by the buzz on Nextdoor, the locals are not impressed. People are already saying this attitude is a turnoff, and they won’t be trying out the new business.

Of course, it’s okay for a business to have rules. But don’t post them on your front door, as you aim to be warm and welcoming. You don’t berate 100% of your patrons for issues that may only happen with a few customers—or not at all!

Really? Do you think you’ll have to “call the Po-Po” so frequently at a dessert shop that you must print it on your front door? I highly doubt that in our little town.

I’ve even seen similar behavior with online business sites in the form of:

• Unfriendly language that doesn’t really welcome new customers.

• Onerous signup processes that make it hard to try your service.

• Forcing payment with no sampling of the content or service (i.e., free trial, try before you buy).

• Vague and mysterious landing pages that tell you nothing about the business, product, or service.

So, before you launch your business, have someone test that first experience with fresh eyes. Is it welcoming? Does it make sense? Would they be interested in purchasing?

If not, find out what’s wrong and address it before you have your full launch.

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I’m Larry Cornett, a Freedom Coach who works with ambitious professionals to help them reclaim their power, become invincible, and create new opportunities for their work and lives. Do more of what you love and less of what you hate!

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