title:Creating a Positive Reputation Is Crucial for Success in Business!
title:Creating a Positive Reputation Is Crucial for Success in Business!
This is a common lament, but how often do we actually sing it? Do we truly put our best foot forward with all the rules that have been loosened today? Every story I come across today appears to be about how the current workforce views their supervisors and bosses as archaic due to their attire, policies, and business practices.
I have always believed, and I will always believe, that the first impression is the most important. Whether we're talking on the phone or meeting in person, I always want to make a good impression. On the other hand, I come from the traditional school—the one that modern employees gripe about.
Take a look at the businesses that have managed to stay afloat. The businesses who stuck to the basics after all the hype died down are the ones that are still there today. The likes of Intel, IBM, Burger King, AT&T, Sears, Microsoft, Dell, Gateway, and thousands more.
No, I do not think we should return to the Middle Ages. In my opinion, a company's viability depends on its ability to adapt to changing market conditions. However, the fundamental principles around which our firm has been built—respect for others, honesty, and the customer always being right—remain the bedrock of any thriving enterprise, be it a brick-and-mortar store or an online venture.
All too often, home-based businesses operate with an attitude akin to that of a pajama boy. I have made phone calls to firms who play annoying music, have children answering the phone, and have screaming TVs and radios playing in the background. Because of this, I am hesitant to conduct business with this individual.
That doesn't mean I haven't had concerns about businesses with remote workers. Actually, this post was prompted by a call to one. The owner was completely unaware of the ins and outs of a specific process and its associated costs when I contacted her. Amazingly, she owns the company yet has no idea what the ins and outs are. Bet you I didn't do deals with them. In other words, don't act like you don't know what you're talking about; if you don't know the fundamentals, at least let me know that you have someone on staff who is an expert in the field who can assist me out. My opinion of you and your business has been negatively impacted by this.
I am not smearing home-based businesses in any way; I've encountered corporate offices that are more like fun homes than actually running a business.
The point of this piece is to drive home the point that first impressions are crucial, whether you work from home or not.
Maintain an air of professionalism whenever you take a call. If you work from home and have a meeting outside, dress appropriately for the occasion. You should always look your best when hosting clients at your house. You shouldn't meet a client in shorts and a t-shirt simply because you perform most of your job from home. Proofread and spellcheck all outgoing office correspondence and have a professional handle your identity package (business cards, letterhead, brochure).
No matter the medium, the initial impression you make is permanent. If you serve your customers well, the old-fashioned way, and make a positive impression, they will be customers for life.
When it comes to dining out, that's the only time I've ever been proven wrong. I suppose it's true that you can't judge a book by its cover, but in this case, the majority of those little holes in the wall turned out to have the best service and food.
Published by DeFiore Enterprises, copyright 2001.
Oh my goodness!
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