Year: 1870




CHARACTER.


Be scrupulousIy honest and trans.
parently candid. To drive a doubt
FULL bargain is to cheat yourself, no
matter whether you make or lose
financially. The proper leading aim
Of business life is to build up man
ly character, and commercial prac-
tices inconsistent with that aim re-
suit in intimate loss, although the
ledger may show thriving business.
Never misrepresent facts, nor permit
subordinates to do so for you. A
clerk who lies in his employers in
terest, will ultimately steal in bis
own interest. Be energetic and In
dustrious. Both these traits can be
cultivated where they do not exist
hence their xbsence is inexcusable.
Without them no one deserves sue
cess, with them few fail.


BUSINESS METHODS.


Subordinate your affairs to your
employers. by doing so you
really advance your own interests,
and i'm the best manner. Never
seem to dictate to your employees
Suggest modestly. Rarely volunteer
advice to your superiors and never
except when it is called out by cir
cumstances. Do nothing which
would cause chagrin if brought to
light. Many things which are
really innocent, cannot be made to
seem so to others. Avoid the ap-
pearance of evil.


Never promise or make engage.
ments thoughtlessly, but, having
promised, be punctilious and prompt
to execute your contract even at Sc
we're loss. Never waver. Either
decide proposition firmly and final
ly, or as promptly postpone decis-
ion until some stated time. In the
meanwhile inform yourself regard-
ing the doubtful point; get more
light. Having made decision adj
here to 1T, unless clearly convinced
its wrong one; then let no unwor-
thy pride prevent your changing,
particularly if the matter be impor-
tant. In mere matters Of routine,
involving nothing Of serious import,
it is better to decide questions off
hand and at once, even If you make
some obvious mistakes, rather than
waste your time i'm dallying with
trifles and taking counsel Of half n
dozen. Never permit yourself to be
crowded or wheedled into an unwise
decision. Never say Yes, against
your better Judgment, to get rid of a
bore. Learn to say No, with cheer
ful but unmistakeable emphasis. A
habit of undiscriminating compli.
ance is vice not a virtue.
Never allow little things to vex, or
excite you. A serene temper lies at
the foundation of successful busi-
ness career, as well as at the base of
manly character. An irritable man
reduces his income one half, and
confirmed peevishness is an admira.
ble help to bankruptcy. BE a gentle
man under all circumstances and
toward all persons. Above all avoid
the common but vulgar sin Of tyran-
izing over those who happen to be
under your authority. Merchants
who bully their clerks, and clerks
who abuse their Interiors, are un-
worthy the name of business men.
They are simply blackguards acci.
dentally engaged I'm trade.


Seldom consult the opinions of
subordinates except I'm their special
provinces. Promptly check a tend
ency among subordinates to offer too
many suggestions, or to interfere
with your matured plans. BE master
of your own affairs, and insist on
having specific things done as you
direct. BE prompt correspondent.
Answer all letters Immediately on
their receipt, and remember that
good English and correct orthogra-
phy have a financial as well as Oh
artistic value. .....H


In business dress like thorough
bred business man. Avoid both the
slovenly and the flashy; study the
golden mean. Apparel sometimes
has more weight than balance at
bank. Plain clothing, selected with
taste, fitted by tailor who knows
what he is about, always kept neat,
and renewed with reasonable fire.
quency-this is a good general rule.


Become and remain thoroughly
conversant with the gene a. princi-
Piles and the practical detG.., of your
particular calling. Understand a
few things perfectly, rather than
many things indifIerently. BE accu.
rate. This thorough knowledge of
ones business gives confidence and
a power which are better than capI-
tai. A clerk who manifests no dis.
position to master the particular
branch of trade with which he is
connected, may as well go to saving
wood at once. He will never go
higher. Also, clerk who habitual-
ly does only so much as he Is told to
do, is next to worthless. He sho lid
see for himself what needs to be done
then do it without waiting for on
order. An employer who is forced 10
maintain constant and DniDute sur
villance over his agents in order to
have his work done properly, will
soon either do his work himself or
secure different assistants.


Bore no one with social or aimless
calls during business hours, and per-
NIT no one to bore you in a similar
way. 1t is well to adopt definite
formula for disposing of genteel loaf.
ers who attempt to filch your pre-
cious time. For instance, greet them
with the usual urbanity, exchange n
pleasant word, say promptly that
you are engaged and must he excused
II you seem unscociable, hand the
visitor the morning paper and pro-
coed with your work. 1t Is an ex-
pensive cowardice that sacrifices
business interests to the entertain
ment of professional interviewers
and chronic visitors. Be brave a few
times and you will soon be free.