Advertise Your Busness: PT Barnum
Essay:
Advertise Your Business by PT Barnum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVr4sbNGZDU
About the Essayist
Gist of the Essay
P.T. Barnum, a famous
showman from the 19th century, believed in the power of effective promotion. He
emphasized creating attention-grabbing advertisements and promoting one's
business boldly. According to Barnum, generating curiosity and excitement
through advertising was crucial for success. He encouraged businesses to
highlight their unique selling points, showcase quality, and use attractive
language to attract customers. Essentially, his approach was about using
creative and attention-grabbing strategies to make your business stand out in
the market.
Summary of the Essay
In business, the businessman
should deal with his customers politely. It is his best capital ever invested
in business. Advertisements and showy buildings are nothing if he does not have
politeness. To continue his business, reserving some profit, he should sell
qualitative products cheaply. He should not think of being an overnight
millionaire by expensively selling the product. Customers are God. So, for their
minor mistake, they should not be humiliated. Charitable human beings get
happiness. The rich person must be generous. According to Solomon in the Bible,
if you scatter, there increases. If you become miser, you will be poor.
1. Be
Polite and Kind to Your Customers: P.T. Barnum, in his
1882 lecture, underscored the paramount importance of extending politeness and
kindness to customers. According to him, these qualities were not merely social
niceties but crucial elements in building a successful business. Barnum argued
that treating customers with respect not only fosters a positive and enjoyable
experience but also establishes a foundation of trust and loyalty. He believed
that satisfied customers were not only likely to become repeat patrons but also
influential advocates who would recommend the business to others. In Barnum's
view, this emphasis on courtesy wasn't just about good manners; it was a
strategic approach to nurturing long-term customer relationships and ensuring
the enduring success of the business.
2. Be
Charitable: Another key tenet in Barnum's lecture was
the virtue of charity in business. He advocated for businesses to engage in
acts of kindness and generosity as a means of not only fulfilling a moral
obligation but also cultivating a favorable public image. Barnum believed that
charitable actions generated goodwill within the community, contributing to a
positive reputation for the business. In his eyes, success wasn't solely
measured by financial profits but also by the positive impact a business could
have on the wider societal landscape. Thus, he encouraged businesses to view
charitable endeavors as an integral part of their overall strategy, recognizing
that a socially responsible business was more likely to resonate with customers
and stand out in a competitive market.
3. Don't
Blab(Gossip): Barnum's advice on discretion and
avoiding unnecessary disclosure in business affairs reflected a keen
understanding of the delicate balance between transparency and strategic
silence. He cautioned against excessive talk, emphasizing that divulging too
much information could lead to misunderstandings or even malicious actions by
competitors. In his view, maintaining a degree of confidentiality was a
strategic move to safeguard the business's competitive edge. Barnum believed
that a judicious approach to communication, striking the right balance between
openness and prudence, was essential for long-term success and protection
against potential threats.
4. Preserve
Your Integrity: Integrity(honor) was a keystone in
Barnum's lecture, and he considered it a non-negotiable element for sustained
success in business. Emphasizing the importance of moral and ethical
principles, he argued that a business built on honesty would not only earn the
trust of customers but also weather the test of time. Barnum resisted the idea that
short-term gains achieved through deceitful practices could ultimately lead to
long-term losses due to a discolored reputation. This commitment to integrity
wasn't merely a moral stance for Barnum; it was a strategic decision to
establish businesses that not only succeeded financially but also stood as
beacons of trustworthiness in the eyes of the public.
***
Understanding
a. Why should one be polite
and kind to their customers?
Treating customers with kindness and
politeness is crucial because it establishes positive connections, fosters
trust, and improves the overall experience. Satisfied customers are more likely
to become repeat customers, recommend the business to others, and contribute to
its success. Building strong customer relationships is a cornerstone of
long-term business growth.
b. Why should not the
insulting man be whipped?
Instead of resorting to physical
punishment for someone behaving rudely, it is more constructive to address
conflicts through communication, education, or legal means. Encouraging
understanding and empathy can lead to better outcomes and contribute to a more
compassionate society.
c.
How can charity be a duty and a pleasure?
Charity serves as both a moral
obligation and a source of personal fulfillment. Fulfilling the duty of helping
others not only aligns with ethical principles but also brings joy and
satisfaction. The act of giving can create a positive impact, making charity a
rewarding and meaningful endeavor.
d.
Why is promiscuous almsgiving bad?
Indiscriminate or promiscuous
almsgiving, where help is given without careful consideration, can have
negative consequences. It may perpetuate dependency, encourage an entitlement
mindset, and fail to address the root causes of poverty. Thoughtful and targeted
assistance is more effective in creating lasting change.
e.
What is the meaning of 'Never write a letter nor destroy one'
(12)?
The advice "Never write a letter
nor destroy one" highlights the importance of thoughtful communication.
Words have lasting consequences, and thoughtless writing or destruction of
letters can lead to misunderstandings or regret. It emphasizes the need for
careful consideration in written correspondence.
f.
What does the writer mean by 'there are many rich poor men'(14)?
The phrase "there are many rich
poor men" suggests that wealth goes beyond monetary measures. Some
individuals, despite lacking financial wealth, may possess richness in
qualities such as strong relationships, contentment, and personal fulfillment,
highlighting the diversity of what constitutes true prosperity.
g.
What's the value of having money?
While having money provides security,
access to resources, and the ability to enjoy life, its value extends beyond
individual needs. The true worth of wealth lies in how it is utilized for the
greater good, including philanthropy, supporting community initiatives, and
contributing to positive societal change.
h.
What does the author mean by 'the hoarded dust (16)?"
‘The hoarded dust" metaphor implies
that collecting wealth without purpose or generosity is similar to collecting
meaningless dust. It stresses the importance of using financial resources for
meaningful activities, such as charitable contributions or investments that
benefit society, rather than simply gathering wealth for its own sake.
***
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