In a perfect world we'd like everyone to like us and buy our products or services (or hire us). However, as intelligent beings with some business and life experiences, we know this isn't the case.
People like us for different reasons. People will take interest in our product, service (or want to hire us) for different reasons. People are finicky.
You can control 9 out of 10 variables that make people like you. But you can't control them all. You also can't gage exactly what each customer, boss, spouse, etc.. will want at every given moment. You can do well in your guessing. But, don't aim for perfection. You'll be sorely disappointed.
Don't weigh your success on everyone liking you or buying what you have to offer. Weigh your success on your accomplishments, your testimonials from those you work with and for, your attitude and your value to those you aim to serve.
I'll give you a loose example:
I just received (June 2008) my first less-than-stellar book review since publishing in December 2007. At first, by nature, I was put off. But 30 seconds later I laughed out loud. What kind of author would I be or what kind of book would I have WITHOUT at least one bad review? It wouldn't be real without at least one! I felt as though I had arrived as an author. The review brought me to a place I had not been- it made me feel something. These non-fans keep it real for us.
Do what you do- for you and for a very targeted audience. What you do is not for EVERYONE. Let's leave that work to the politicians.
Showing posts with label consulting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label consulting. Show all posts
Monday, June 16, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Learn to Prepare
Learn to Prepare... and reap the rewards
As I spent the weekend working in my garden, a moment came where I was reminded of a recent conversation with a client on preparation. He and I were discussing preparations for next years busy season (he's a tax specialist). What could he do now to prepare for next year to ease his hectic work schedule. There was a list a mile long.
As I gardened, I realized that I could have organized my materials weeks or months in advance to make the most of the time I was spending planting and pruning. I would have rather spent all of my time enjoying the warm sunshine rather than rummaging through the basement and shed looking for those essentials that were somehow scattered amongst boxes, hangers and piles. I spent the winter months reading and writing- which are two of my loves- but I could have also carved out a little time to prepare.
What can you prepare for? What seasonal projects are at hand, personally or professionally that you can prepare for now? The prep time will likely make your "busy season" go smoother and make you feel more in control. Who doesn't love that?
Happy seeding.
As I spent the weekend working in my garden, a moment came where I was reminded of a recent conversation with a client on preparation. He and I were discussing preparations for next years busy season (he's a tax specialist). What could he do now to prepare for next year to ease his hectic work schedule. There was a list a mile long.
As I gardened, I realized that I could have organized my materials weeks or months in advance to make the most of the time I was spending planting and pruning. I would have rather spent all of my time enjoying the warm sunshine rather than rummaging through the basement and shed looking for those essentials that were somehow scattered amongst boxes, hangers and piles. I spent the winter months reading and writing- which are two of my loves- but I could have also carved out a little time to prepare.
What can you prepare for? What seasonal projects are at hand, personally or professionally that you can prepare for now? The prep time will likely make your "busy season" go smoother and make you feel more in control. Who doesn't love that?
Happy seeding.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
How can I make more money? Its easy. Really.
What’s an EASY and QUICK way to improve your business and make more money?
Be a great referral so that people enjoy referring you! If you don’t do what you do well or if people don’t like you – you are not a great referral. I’m sorry, but the truth hurts sometimes.
Now, how can you ensure that you are a GREAT referral?
I’ll give you two basics...
Take stock in what you are offering.
Admit you and your company are NOT perfect.
Take stock in what you are offering.
Make a list of your products and/or services? Did you include exceptional customer service as an offering? You should have- but ONLY if you really strive for it. To strive for it you must first define it and know how to include it in your business. Remember, it’s not only what we sell but how we do it that matters. In fact, it can matter more how you sell and follow up than the widget you offer. To begin taking stock in what you offer answer the following questions:
What does customer service mean to your staff? (Don’t ask them rather observe them- get a mystery shopper if you have to)
Do they share your philosophy on how to treat clients?
Do you know how your clients feel about your last interaction with them? (If not, ask them today)
How often do your clients refer you to their friends? (If they don’t you have a problem)
Do you have repeat customers? What percentage? (If you don’t or its under 80%, you have a problem)
Admit you and your company are NOT perfect.
None of us are. However, that is not an excuse to be mediocre. Every unsatisfied customer you have is a failure- on you and your company. Sure, there are jerks everywhere and once in a while you’ll find you did your absolute best and someone wasn’t happy. But, that is often not the case. More likely, you or your staff FAILED to understand the customer’s needs, keep in touch, follow up, establish a great rapport, and/or deliver an outstanding product or service ON TIME. If you did, you would have had a happier customer- and a win- for you and your company.
To learn about your own imperfections do the following:
Follow up with every non-repeat customer you have and ask them how you could have done better. (Remember, it’s not personal, it’s business. Put your armor on- this may hurt.)
From each follow up, create a lesson learned and recommendation to improve.
Constantly assess you and your staffs communication skills, industry knowledge and dedication to the business. Everyone should be interested in growth (in all ways) and improvement- when that exists your company will be better for it.
Be a great referral so that people enjoy referring you! If you don’t do what you do well or if people don’t like you – you are not a great referral. I’m sorry, but the truth hurts sometimes.
Now, how can you ensure that you are a GREAT referral?
I’ll give you two basics...
Take stock in what you are offering.
Admit you and your company are NOT perfect.
Take stock in what you are offering.
Make a list of your products and/or services? Did you include exceptional customer service as an offering? You should have- but ONLY if you really strive for it. To strive for it you must first define it and know how to include it in your business. Remember, it’s not only what we sell but how we do it that matters. In fact, it can matter more how you sell and follow up than the widget you offer. To begin taking stock in what you offer answer the following questions:
What does customer service mean to your staff? (Don’t ask them rather observe them- get a mystery shopper if you have to)
Do they share your philosophy on how to treat clients?
Do you know how your clients feel about your last interaction with them? (If not, ask them today)
How often do your clients refer you to their friends? (If they don’t you have a problem)
Do you have repeat customers? What percentage? (If you don’t or its under 80%, you have a problem)
Admit you and your company are NOT perfect.
None of us are. However, that is not an excuse to be mediocre. Every unsatisfied customer you have is a failure- on you and your company. Sure, there are jerks everywhere and once in a while you’ll find you did your absolute best and someone wasn’t happy. But, that is often not the case. More likely, you or your staff FAILED to understand the customer’s needs, keep in touch, follow up, establish a great rapport, and/or deliver an outstanding product or service ON TIME. If you did, you would have had a happier customer- and a win- for you and your company.
To learn about your own imperfections do the following:
Follow up with every non-repeat customer you have and ask them how you could have done better. (Remember, it’s not personal, it’s business. Put your armor on- this may hurt.)
From each follow up, create a lesson learned and recommendation to improve.
Constantly assess you and your staffs communication skills, industry knowledge and dedication to the business. Everyone should be interested in growth (in all ways) and improvement- when that exists your company will be better for it.
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