My parents were pretty strict with me and I owe much of my success today to the simple things that my parents taught me when I was you, and before I went to college. Do what you say. Don’t do anything half-assed. Look at someone in the eyes when they talk to you. Show up on time. Treat others as you want to be treated. AND be home before 11.
This stuff is not hard, but I tell you what, no one does this. No one does it consistently anyway. I may just have it easy, as I am in the contractor and home services world, but my guess is that this is prevalent in all industries. I can only say this because I do spend money with other people sometime, and have a hard time finding folks that do all of it, or at least some of it. Let me break these down though so you understand why I included them, and why you should try to incorporate them into everything you do in business.
First, do what you say. I cannot tell you how many times people tell me one thing, and then do another. My mom used to tell me if I said I was going to clean my room by dinner, that I better do it. This was just one way I was able to build trust with my mom. When I would consistently do what I said I would do, she would give me more and more freedom. In business, when we prove to our customers with little things that we do what we say, they can reward us with bigger responsibility…a signed contract. In my business, I try to do this by showing up on time for an appointment, sending a bid back before I have told them I would send it, and following through with what we do in their house, as promised.
My dad would always tell me: “Nick, don’t do it half-assed!” Yep, sometimes I tried to get away with kind-of doing what I was supposed to do. He would always catch it. Then, I had to re-do whatever it was; and English paper, cutting the grass, or a drill in soccer. Those words still ring in my ear, and it is why I always try to over deliver for all my clients. It is also why I keep my team to a high standard and make them re-do things if I see half-ass work.
My parents were big into social circles and doing things with friends. It seemed like there was always a party or a gathering happening at the May household. So it was very important that I look people in the eye, introduce myself, and shake their hand…firmly! This has served me well throughout the years. So simple, yet so effective.
Show up on time is VERY important. Lots of people talk about it, but you have to have a system to do it consistently. Traffic is always going to be bad, so assume that. I plan to arrive 15 to 20 min. early to every homeowner appointment. Then, I park around the corner and catch up on emails…I always have something to check on. Then at about 10 min prior to the appointment, I head to the house, park, get situated, and walk up to the door about 5 minutes early. So many people comment on my promptness that I know it is effective. Don’t tell people you care about their business, show them by respecting their time; not too early, and NEVER late.
Last but not least, treat others as you want to be treated. This goes for customers, vendors, and employees. Respect people, be helpful, and treat them right, and you will have tons of business. If a customer has a problem I can solve or help with, I offer a solution. If my team has a problem I can help with, I try to be helpful. If I am dealing with a vendor, I treat them as I want them to treat me. I just like people, and I want to help people, because I know I need help sometimes too.
Nothing I have mentioned is rocket science. Nothing in here is new. But it is all hard to do consistently. We can all be nice for a day, but can you be known for it? Can you do it day in and day out? Can you do it when it is hard, or when you have messed up? Say you’re sorry. Own it. Do better tomorrow. Thanks mom and dad for teaching me well, so that I can help others treat others well.
Now go be successful!
