I found it important to clarify for employees what “deal-breaker” behavior was at my company. These are things I insisted would not be tolerated and would lead to immediate or ultimate termination, depending on nature of infraction of these hard and fast rules. Here are behaviors I would not tolerate:

1. Gossip. Rumors can be incredibly disruptive to a company. A lack of information can get rumors started, and frank explanations can usually stop them. However, some employees thrive on admiration of others when they seem to be “in know.” Define gossip as clearly as you can and tell employees what you expect them to do when they hear it. First and foremost, that you don’t repeat it. Along same lines of gossip, remind employees that all e-mail sent or received on company computers is considered company business and not private correspondence.

Only one of every 5 businesses makes it to its 5th year, and fewer still make it to 10 years. What do successful businesses have in common?

1.The experience and skills of top managers. Over half of business failures are directly related to managerial incompetence.

2.The energy, persistence and resourcefulness (the will to make business succeed) of top managers. Many business owners have failed or come close several times before their “instant” success. Don’t give up.

3.A product that is at least a cut above competition and service that doesn’t get in way of people buying. There must be a compelling reason to buy; product is great, people love to provide service, and buying experience is easy and fun.

4.The ability to create a “buzz” around product with aggressive and strategic marketing. Make scarce marketing resources count. Do as much homework about your customers and their choices as you can before investing your marketing dollars.