Do you know what it is like to get a hold of you? Have you ever tried calling yourself at work? My guess is you haven’t in a very long time…if ever.
So when you finish reading this and have a few spare minutes, depending on the size of your company complete the following steps and then consider the questions I ask.
1. Call the main number for your business and follow the process of being transferred to your extension.
* Be aware of the number of rings it took to connect the call.
* If it is being answered by a live voice, are you proud of how their “sound and greeting” represents your company?
* If you were greeted by a recording, how easy are the menu options to follow?
Pet Peeve: Why is the most likely menu choice often the very last option? For example, when leaving a message you are taken through a series of prompts from marking it urgent, private, etc. with “send” as the last selection instead of the first. Or there are so many options, you actually have to either write them down or listen to them a second time to get it right.
2. Call your direct line.
* Again, note the number of rings and if answered by someone, did you like what you heard?
* If it went to a recording, how clear is the outgoing message and how current?
Pet Peeve: People that date their outgoing message and then don’t update it; i.e. a message that states “I will be out of the office Monday and Tuesday and back on Wednesday” is still playing on Friday. Live voices that sound miserable over the phone...why on earth does any business owner or department head allow people that have no personality be the first sound a caller hears is beyond me.
3. Call your cell phone.
* In addition to the amount of rings how was the tone of your voice during your outgoing message?
* Does the caller have enough time to leave a message or are they cut off midway?
Pet peeve: When people leave me a message and fire off their phone number so fast I have to play it back several times to get the whole thing. When leaving your number ALWAYS repeat is twice, slowly and distinctly.
Whether you are the business, own a business with people working for you or work in corporate America make sure the process of reaching you is painless and represents you in a positive manner.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The thread that weaves through all successful people.
I was working with a group recently and we were discussing ethics and their overall impact in business. Because I have had the pleasure of helping so many organizations create and implement a culture customized by their leadership team, I believe I may have found a thread that weaves its way through all successful people.
It’s personal-pride. That’s it. Nothing more. Just personal-pride.
Let’s start with toddlers. The reaction to taking their first steps when encouraged by others drives them to pick themselves up when they fall and do it again and again.
Move on to dance or little league. A great performance or homerun can push a child to keep going for the gold.
Next comes grades in school, part time jobs, living on their own, and college degrees. Show me a young person that is proud of their accomplishments, and I will show you a level of success directly impacted by that pride.
This dedication in doing the best possible work, being the best possible person, transcends into adulthood. It turns into entrepreneurs that start with nothing and build empires, teachers that brag about students that surpass expectations and parents that raise responsible citizens who give back to their community.
It can be found daily in the workplace, whether it is a dental practice known for quality care, an art gallery focused on eliminating the intimidation of shopping for fine art or an attorney dedicated to creating a reputation of integrity and justice.
And, it is not just in business. Personal pride reveals itself in beautiful gardens, spotless kitchens, and organized closets. Behind every pristine car, immaculate landscape or a carefully chosen wardrobe you will find an owner beaming with delight.
Personal pride is accomplished by asking yourself these four questions:
1. Did I do the best job I could do?
2. Did I look my best for the situation I was in?
3. Did I treat others in the best way possible?
4. Did I leave a place better than I found it?
For the next 48 hours I challenge you to live a life of personal pride and then check to see how you feel at the end of the day. My guess is better than ever.
It’s personal-pride. That’s it. Nothing more. Just personal-pride.
Let’s start with toddlers. The reaction to taking their first steps when encouraged by others drives them to pick themselves up when they fall and do it again and again.
Move on to dance or little league. A great performance or homerun can push a child to keep going for the gold.
Next comes grades in school, part time jobs, living on their own, and college degrees. Show me a young person that is proud of their accomplishments, and I will show you a level of success directly impacted by that pride.
This dedication in doing the best possible work, being the best possible person, transcends into adulthood. It turns into entrepreneurs that start with nothing and build empires, teachers that brag about students that surpass expectations and parents that raise responsible citizens who give back to their community.
It can be found daily in the workplace, whether it is a dental practice known for quality care, an art gallery focused on eliminating the intimidation of shopping for fine art or an attorney dedicated to creating a reputation of integrity and justice.
And, it is not just in business. Personal pride reveals itself in beautiful gardens, spotless kitchens, and organized closets. Behind every pristine car, immaculate landscape or a carefully chosen wardrobe you will find an owner beaming with delight.
Personal pride is accomplished by asking yourself these four questions:
1. Did I do the best job I could do?
2. Did I look my best for the situation I was in?
3. Did I treat others in the best way possible?
4. Did I leave a place better than I found it?
For the next 48 hours I challenge you to live a life of personal pride and then check to see how you feel at the end of the day. My guess is better than ever.
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