While it’s important that we study and grow as people and as business owners, one important element that gets consistently overlooked by entrepreneurs is: what not to do!
Not all behavior is acceptable! Your character is your “business card” so make sure you design it well!
If you’re thinking “but I do know what I should or shouldn’t do” allow me to say that I’m not discounting that, but since you’re already reading this, I’d still like to invite you to revisit and use this to refresh your memory.
You’d be surprised of how many people are doing the things I’ll be discussing in this article, on a daily basis. I was actually quite baffled to see that there are people teaching and preaching about moral compass, about principles, about growth, about how to be a leader, about how to develop a brand based on values, about all these improvements, yet when it came to their interactions with my clients or me, their behavior was completely inappropriate and quite unethical.
Let’s see what’s on the list. Are you ready?
#1. Do NOT be disrespectful to someone. Treat others the same way you would like to be treated.
#2. Do NOT tell someone you’re better than them at what they’re doing or that they don’t know what they’re doing. Questioning someone’s abilities will most likely get you on the “do not call” list.
#3. Do NOT make a joke out of someone’s service. We all have different approaches to things. Yours is not the only way or the right way, it is just a different way. Be respectful.
#4. Do NOT go on a call just to preach and with no intention to listen. Remember, a great leader listens and learns, and that can’t be done if they do all the talking. Listening is power.
#5. Do NOT speak in a condescending manner to anyone. You risk being cut you off right away if you do this.
#6. Do NOT interrogate someone. This can cause someone to feel that you’re prying into their own space. Building rapport is a better way to go about it.
#7. Do NOT tell someone you won’t be getting on a call because you’ll both sell each other your own services! You’ve just lost yourself not only a potential client but also a connection and/or a great referral.
#8. Do NOT make an appointment and not show up. If your time is valuable, so it’s theirs! Respect it!
#9. Do NOT write someone off. Even if you haven’t closed your sale, you can always create a connection that can lead to opportunities (sales, connections, invitations and so on) in the future.
#10. Do NOT talk about yourself the entire call. People are not impressed with it, especially if you’re the one trying to obtain a client. It is egocentric and you’re more than likely to lose their interest.
#11. Do NOT only have a sale on your mind. The difference between customers and clients is that a customer will buy from you once (even if you got them or “tricked them” to buy what you’re selling), but a client is someone who sees the values in your mentorship and will continue to seek your guidance.
#12. Do NOT be distracted. Most opportunities are missed because there was a disconnect, and 9 out of 10 times is because you weren’t fully present.
#13. Do NOT pursue someone to do business unethically. Doing this will cause your credibility to fly out the window. Think things through more thoroughly!
So what do you think?
Which one(s) have you encountered?
Have you come across a different situation you’d like to tell me about?
Leave your comments below! I’d love to hear about your experiences and how you handled those situations or if you need help handling them with more poise.
Don’t forget to join the amazing group of exceptional entrepreneurs on Facebook, The Effective Mindsetters! We look forward to seeing you there!
Until next time, don’t forget to be kind, be loving, be forgiving, but most importantly, be YOURSELF!
Cat
Chat w/ Cat 