A Lesson Well Learned

I recently had a wonderful learning opportunity, thanks to a client of mine, on communication breakdowns.  This learning lesson gave me a great way to reconsider my processes and figure out how to really redefine my communication skills.  I must say that this was a lesson that was hard to swallow, but it really made me realize the importance of how we communicate as a society.  In today’s online world we make a lot of assumptions, which as we all know, causes much dismay for both parties.  Because we don’t see the whole picture we fill in the blanks.  So what have I learned from this?

1. Don’t make any assumptions -

• Always ask up front to ensure there are no misgivings.

2. Put it in writing –

• Send an email repeating back what you heard to ensure all parties involved are on the same page.

3. Put your emotions aside –

• Don’t send an email when you are upset.  Most folks can’t see your face or hear the emotions in your voice when you send an email.  Remember this before sending an email to anyone.  This simple fact has burned many bridges that could have been saved if the email was simply put aside and re-read after the emotions had passed.
• Keep in mind that in today’s online world, this can be a huge determent to your professional image.
• Ask yourself, how do I feel when I get these types of emails?  How do you react?

4. Treat your customers/prospects the way you wish to be treated –

• Try and put yourself in their place and figure out where they are coming from, what they are feeling.  If you are unsure of this, pick up the phone and find out.

So you may be asking yourself, “Great tips, but how did you handle this situation?” Before I answer this question, my true belief is that by treating each situation like the old analogy – If you have lemons make lemonade – you help protect your image and strength a tie that may have otherwise been severed.  I realize that not everyone reacts the same, but everyone is human and has feelings as you do.

Now to answer the big question:  I apologized for my miscommunication and rectified the situation by treating the other party with feelings and respect.  Just imagine how many relationships you could strengthen by simply applying some of the above tips.

 

Where’s the Passion?

Have you ever found yourself asking this question; “Where’s the Passion?”

As a fellow entrepreneur I find that many folks ask themselves this question over and over, especially when they are bogged down with all the mundane tasks it takes to run a business (i.e., bookkeeping, email management, correspondences, etc.)  I’m sure you’ve been there at one time or another.  I also realize that we all get into business for ourselves for various different reasons.  It just depends upon who you speak with.

Personally, I got into business for the following reasons:

• Be my own boss
• Help others save time and achieve so much more in just one day
• Make my own schedule
• The challenge to call it my very own

However, I never really thought about the passion behind what I do until I realized how freeing it was to own my own business.

So next time someone asks you, “where’s the passion?” dig down deep and realize that the passion is all about why you started your business in the first place.  Hold onto that passion and try not to let it get hidden behind the mundane work it takes to run the business.  Just be true to yourself.