Follow through on commitments
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A few years ago, I was trying to get an assignment to write a firm brochure for a major law firm, and as part of the process I was asked for references. I found out afterwards that one of the people whose names I gave as references said to the client, “Well there is one thing I can promise you. If Helen says she will deliver the product to you at 4 p.m. on Thursday, you can bet that at five minutes to four, she will be in your reception area waiting to give it to you. She does what she says she'll do.” The shortlist for the work was down to two, and I’m convinced I got it because that comment tipped the balance in my favour. As an independent businessperson, I must market my services in many ways, including person-to-person telephone calls. Immediately after I have a conversation with a prospective client, I make notes in my database of what was said and how things were left. If I told the person I would call again in two months, I make a note in my follow-up system—and I call again in two months. If I say I will send my promotional package in the mail that day—I send my promotional package in the mail that day. I can’t tell you how many times people have expressed pleased surprise, just because I did what I said I would do—because so many people don’t. To me, it is part and parcel of being a professional. The same rule applies to you: follow through on your commitments and do what you said you would do. So much of what happens in your company or department depends on you. You are often the oil that makes the machinery run smoothly, and if you don’t do your part there’s a lot that can go wrong. That makes it imperative that you are dependable, that your word is your bond. There’s a great deal of talk today about “going the extra mile” and doing more than you promised. That’s all very well, but I believe it’s even more important to begin with the basics: follow through on your commitment and do what you said you would do. Then you can work on taking the extra steps. Communication lies not only in what you say, but in what you do and how you conduct yourself. Whether you say one thing and do another, or fulfill the other person’s expectations by keeping your promise—either way, it says something about you as a person and as a professional. A reputation for keeping your promises is worth gold in today’s workplace. How dependable are you? © 2004 Helen Wilkie All Rights Reserved. You may reprint this article for your online or print publication so long as you include the complete article and the following paragraph: Helen Wilkie is a professional speaker, consultant and author who helps companies do better business through better communication. Her latest book is "The Hidden Profit Center". To received free monthly tips and techniques on communication, visit http://www.mhwcom.com or http://www.HiddenProfitCenter.com and sign up for "Communi-keys". Reach Helen Wilkie at 416-966-5023 or hwilkie@mhwcom.com |
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