Jim (not his real name), a potential landlord, was arather rotund Member, and as he stared out the window
and loudly enjoyed his popcorn, we, an unknown
company, pitched him on the amazing benefits to his
shopping centers if he would put a Helzberg Diamonds
in them. We were unable to break his fascination with
hispopcorn and apparently some tree visible from the
window.After we left the suite where his company was pro-moting and leasing their centers, we agreed to continueto follow Dad’s maxim: Never burn a bridge with any-
one even if they treat you like a fencepost. We would
theorize that next week he would be our most impor-
tant landlord and we would be working together.This is one of the most valuable lessons Dad gaveus and we never had reason to regret treating peoplelikethey wanted to be treated—and that sometimesincluded not treating them like they treated us! This
policy can save you lots of regrets and probably lots of
time wasted in intellectual about what your reaction
should be.Like all rules, this has an exception. If your customeris abusing your associate consider very nicely and softly
striking them that you cannot serve them properly.
