Creating a Positive Reputation Is Crucial for Success in Business!
Creating a Positive Reputation Is Crucial for Success in Business!
Saved on: 2007-07-25 at 12:30:05
section: economics and money
article:
Everyone has heard this lament, but how often actually do we let it guide our actions? Do we really want to make the most of today's more loosened regulations? 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.
The initial impression is the most important one, in my opinion, and I intend for this to remain my belief. 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.
The ones that have survived to this day can be seen here. Companies who stuck to the basics of business 101 are still around after all the hype died down. All those giant tech companies like Intel, IBM, Burger King, AT&T, Sears, Microsoft, Dell, Gateway, and so on.
I am not saying that we should return to the Stone Age. Whether it's a brick-and-mortar store or an online venture, I think it's essential for a company's longevity to adapt to changing market conditions. However, the principles upon which our firm was founded—respect for others, honesty, and the importance of doing what's right by customers—remain essential.
The "pyjama mentality" has permeated the operations of far too many home-based businesses. There have been companies I've contacted that had adorable greetings on their machines, but also extremely annoying music, children answering the phone, and yelling TVs and radios set in the background. I am not impressed and would not do business with them again.
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 of the company I contacted was completely unaware of the ins and outs of a specific process when I contacted her by phone. Wow, she's the boss and has no idea what the heck she's doing or how much it costs. Try to guess with whom I chose not to do business. 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.
Always maintain an air of professionalism when answering the phone. If you work from home and have a meeting outside, dress appropriately for the occasion. Make sure you and your home are both neat and tidy if you entertain clients at your place. A client meeting is not the place to wear shorts and a t-shirt just because you perform most of your work from home. Get a professional printer to make your company's logo, letterhead, and brochure, and make sure all of your office correspondence is proofread and spell checked before sending it out.
Your initial impression, whether made in person, over the phone, or in writing, will stick with the other person. If you serve your customers well, the traditional way, and make a positive impression, they will be loyal customers forever.
When it comes to dining out, that's the only time I've ever been proven wrong. Guess you can't judge a book by its cover—just the majority of them—because some of those little holes in the wall ended up having the best service and food.
In 2001, DeFiore Enterprises acquired copyright.
No way!
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