We all have busy lives and make thousands of decisions each and every day. Suit or business casual? Retention calls or cold calls? Which networking event do I attend today? Overtime or family quality time? Some choices are harder to make than others. But all of the choices you make do have an impact on your career.
With all of the emphasis on bigger, more and better these days, perhaps it is time to step away from the fray and get back to a few basics; perhaps even to simplify.
Remember all that sage advice your parents used to give you about getting along with others? You probably know now that she was right. All of those playground rules make a great foundation for the entry-level business associate as well as the seasoned professional. Let’s review them, shall we?
The Golden Rule
- Be nice.This doesn’t mean let people run all over you. Just be polite. Use your manners. Treat others how you would like to be treated. Say please and thank you to gatekeepers, receptionists and professionals you encounter. Just like you, people are going about their day, doing their jobs. It doesn’t hurt to be polite and you may just be remembered for that.
- Be patient. Patience is a virtue. It really is! I used to say that once someone (or their business) was on my target list, that they either buy or die.
As I have seasoned in my trade, I have revised that to a softer approach. I know that my product/services are worth the wait. Longevity is on my side and I will be here when the timing is right for the transaction to occur.
- Be persistent. This isn’t to say that you need to hound or nag your prospect, but do send periodic updates to let that prospect know that you are interested in their business as well as letting Mr./Mrs. Prospect know that you are still in business.
Showcase developments that your company has made and how that will impact them. Let the prospect know that you and your company are in for the long haul and are willing to be there when they need what you have to offer.
- Be Honest. I find it less complicated to remember the truth than any story that I could dream up. And over the course of many years and thousands of prospects I have also learned honesty is always the best policy.
At times will it be painful? Yep. Can it cost you business? Certainly will. Would you have wanted a relationship based on anything less than the truth? I wouldn’t. But then, I like to sleep well at night knowing that I have done the best job I can for all of my clients. How about you?
- Whatever you do, do it well. Find and follow your passion. If that means that you sell insurance, perfect. If that means that you train elephants for the circus, bless your heart. Whatever you do in life, do it with all of the gusto and passion that you can muster and then it will never be work.
If you are in a position now where you are just existing, talk with a life coach or a trusted friend who can assist you in seeking your true calling. Life is just too short to not enjoy what you are doing for your livelihood. And when you love what you do, the money will be unstoppable.
- Look both ways before you cross the road. Once you have found your passion, have made your contacts and are networking your heart out, I don’t want you to get crushed by that bus that we all mention from time to time.
Seriously, I do believe that we are all in noble professions and should be proud of what we do for a living. I also believe that you should put your heart and soul into your work but don’t lose yourself in it. Life is short. Once time is lost, you cannot regain it. Be kind, be polite. I want people to have a good recollection of me so when they do need to call upon my company for the services that I offer, they will do it with the knowledge that I am just the person who can provide the solution that they need.
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