This is so embarrassing… Sure I could keep this to myself but if my transparency can help you then it is worth the embarrassment.  This is what happened…

I broke the 2 most important rules. These are rules to live by not only in business relationships but in all relationships.

Yesterday I scheduled a lunch meeting with a potential partner that I met at a networking event last year. She and I have been facebook messaging about possible dates and finally I selected a location and we had a date.

The time came and not only was I not in place on time I ended up not being able to show up at all. She took the time to rearrange her schedule, drive to a location that I selected and ended up being stood up. Totally UNACCEPTABLE! 

This translates into a lack of respect for not only the other persons time but It is a way of showing a lack of respect for your own word. NEVER break the 2 most important rules in business relationships.

The 2 most important rules in business relationships are ‘Always be on time’ and ‘Always do what you say you are going to do.’

1. Always be on time.There is really no excuse for not following this rule.  Being super busy is not an excuse. Always showing up late doesn’t make you look important it makes you look like a poor time manager. In the world of alarms, planners and cell phones that provide weather and traffic forecast, you have more than enough resources to be prepared. Find out which time management tool works for you and use it!
2. Always do what you say you are going to do.  Keeping your word goes beyond honesty and dishonesty. Doing what you say you are going to do is committing a plan to the execution of what you have said. Be intentional about your word sometime this may mean that you will have to say No in order to build the integrity of your yes. I know we say yes with the best intentions, but intentions mean little when we don’t follow through.

Not following those two basic but very essential rules can tarnish your brand, your organization and your relationships.

Here are some meeting precautions to take before, during and after to ensure your success in establishing a great first impression upon meeting a potential partner or supporter.

Before: Get a contact number outside of email or facebook so that you can get an immediate response should you get lost or stuck in traffic. If you have a planner check it for your appointments not just every morning  but also the night before to ensure you have everything you need to be a success and add value to each engagement. Call or email earlier that morning to confirm your meeting.

In this particular incident I obviously did not follow this order and look what it got me. … (I’m just being transparent) I’m sharing this so that you won’t make the same mistake I did.

During: There is nothing wrong with sending a text, just to say I’m parking, or I’m here in the back, or even I’m stopping by to get coffee would you like me to pick you up something. In this you are being attentive and considerate and others appreciate that.

After: If you made it and all went well, send a thank you note, follow up with a few take-aways that you got from the meeting. I don’t know how many times I’ve been in the same meeting with 8 other people and somehow we all leave with a different understanding of what the next steps are or even what was discussed.

If you totally goofed, like I did yesterday then send a sincere apology and proactive offer a way to correct or redeem your previous behavior.  Demonstrate an appreciation for them and their time by being accommodating and making the next meeting convenient for them.

So to that person with all sincerity I apologize and to the Be More Community I hope that you learned a little something from my mistake. If you got any take-aways or have something to add, feel free to share below.

Posted by Rasheem on Friday, January 17th, 2014 @ 2:20PM
Categories: Monthly Mistakes, Uncategorized