Advice That I Never Think I’ll Follow

Startup Journal offers an interview with Tom Peters. Now I must admit that I’ve never been a big fan of much of his work, but this quote from him is just, well, bizarre.
“SJ: Peter Drucker is famous for asking businesses, ‘What business are you in?’ What question do you think every business should ask itself?
Peters: ‘Why should I fall in love with you?’ You see, I’ll add the passion to the Drucker thing. To me it’s a big deal. Say I’m running a business and I’m trying to choose an accountant. And so I have 27 interviews and my question to you isn’t, ‘Are you a competent accountant?’ — that comes later on — but, ‘Why should I fall in love with you? What’s going to make this a glorious relationship?'”
Now I’ve hired a few accountants in my day, and I can promise you that this is not a question that I would ever ask. And if I ever did, most accountants I know would be out the door before I finished the question.
Sure, you want them to be interested in what you do, seem motivated to work with you, and understand how to work with small businesses. And rather than ask 27 of them about “falling in love with them,” find two or three through your network and find out which one will be the best fit for you and where your business is headed.
Maybe its time for Tom Peters to hang it up!