If you want to stay in business for long, this isn’t something you spend time trying to accomplish.

In fact, it is exactly the opposite of what successful businesses are tuned into.

That’s not to say that well-meaning businesses - even very big ones - don’t end up trying to do the thinking for their customers.

In other words, everyone makes mistakes. Even, for instance, huge PC manufacturers whose names rhyme with “sell.” Cue the personal inspiration for today’s blog.

On February 15th, I ordered a replacement part for a laptop. Delivery was promised within the week. One month later it still hadn’t showed up, so I complained and was told my order would be express shipped at no extra charge. Now that’s what I’m talking about!

Flash forward 3 more weeks. Still no part. Adding insult to injury, I received an automated phone call informing me that due to the backorder status of my part, and by no less than FTC-mandate, my order would be automatically cancelled unless I called in to cancel the pending cancellation. I am not making this up.

I didn’t call back in time, so my order - the order I have already been waiting on for two months - was cancelled. Now I’m back at the end of the line. Adding to the fairy tale nature of it all was the fact that today when I finally got ahold of someone to have my order reinstated, my call was dropped.

Guess who’s still bitter about a retail experience that will not fade from memory - or casual converstation - anytime soon?

Should you ever find yourself deciding for your customers that they no longer want what you’re selling, please consider:

Q: What does it mean to outsmart the customer?

A: Really nothing more than outdumbing yourself. And your small business.

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Your regular dose of entreprenurial inspiration, served up fresh right here at Grow My Business. And for all your small and home business software needs, check out Blue Squad and Avanquest, the company that brings you the biggest software bang for your hard-earned business buck.