Over the last couple of weeks it has become increasingly apparent to me how important or unimportant certain businesses and business people are towards other businesses/potential clients. Maybe some of you current business owners/clients or consumers have felt similar to what will be shared. Hopefully this does not sound like a rant, but more of an observational critique. Or maybe some things I deem as pet peeves.
Frustration. This emotion has been very present lately when visiting with a business or business person because they don’t do what they say they are going to do. First example-If you have scheduled a meeting with someone make sure you show up. It seems simple enough right? But you’d be amazed how many times this does happen. Now you would think that if the person is not going to show, they would at least tell you ahead before the meeting and you aren’t surprised when you meet with others in the business you’ve never had a conversation with, and the host has another meeting in place of yours. Business courtesy? I think not. If the point of the meeting is to discuss something you’ve had a conversation with the original person, then they are the one you should be talking to. You’ve built that relationship.
Second example-You show up for a meeting on time or even 5 minutes before, and then you wait for another 10-20 minutes for the person to get to you. They apologize, but really? Is this courteous to your potential client? What makes their time more valuable than yours? Are they more important than you? Why do some feel that they’re more important than you? Because of a title? You get a fancy title and now we should be in awe?
Third example-You’re in the meeting and the person is constantly checking their phone, e-mail, or even takes a call while you’re in the meeting! What does this say to you? You’re not interesting? What you’re saying has no importance to them? Again, you’re not important, and maybe they don’t want your business. Its not professional and just plain rude.
Last example-You travel (40-45 minutes) quite a distance to meet with a company representative to discuss how each others companies can benefit one another. You begin to have a conversation, but after 20 minutes of being there, they say they have to go to another meeting because another client has unexpectedly shown up that needs their attention. So apparently, you’re not that important. Does it make you feel good or want to do business with them? You are probably getting the idea here, but its really ridiculous.
There are so many other scenarios, like when people say they are very interested in doing business with you, or they will bring business to you and then you never hear from them and they disappear like a fart in the wind. Is this today’s business society? Maybe its just me, and maybe I’m the crazy one, but I do my best to ALWAYS be on time to any meeting(s), appointments, or interviews etc. No matter how big or small the company. When you’re late, it shows disrespect.
Now, there are unknown circumstances that will happen, flat tire, car accident, ticket or whatever, but do your best to be there! But you never get a chance to make a first impression, it is so very true! And when my potential clients are meeting with me, I ignore my cell phone to give them my undivided attention, so that I can LISTEN to them find out about their business and truly HEAR them so we can provide them what they need. Some people just love to talk, talk, talk, talk, and talk some more. The problem with this is there is no conversation and you’re back right where you started, not knowing what is going on.
Now, I want to clarify, I’m not perfect, and I have many faults. But I do my best to be the type of client or business that someone can depend on. I’m big on being reliable, it says something about your character and the character of the company. Reliability is huge. Why don’t businesses (or people in general) do what they say they will do? Do what you say, say what you do. Is it that difficult of a concept? Is there something I’m missing?
Maybe its proper business etiquette. Maybe some businesses and business people need to go back and be re-schooled or learn for the first time about business etiquette. Obviously this isn’t every business. I have met with some incredible people with great businesses. The reason the business is great, is because of the person in charge.
Social