So sure, but it's not always about that. There are plenty of jackasses having huge businesses. Also being a jackass has nothing to do with how your customers see you; they won't be in such close contact with you usually. When you get of any serious size you'll have sales minions for that. There are different management styles and being a bastard certainly is one of them; being nice doesn't get you anywhere at all proponents of this management style will say. Bill Gates being one of those bastard-style managers (read up on his management); he didn't do too bad, even with a lot of clients badmouthing his stuff.