Home >
Self Improvement >
Motivational
Running a successful business is all about detail and execution.
You have to pay attention to the small things. If you are
messing up orders and slow on customer service, people start to
notice. Sales dwindle. Do it all right and word gets around.
Your sales grow fast.
People pay for quality, even if your price is higher than your
competitors.
That is why I like to work with good people AND harass them.
I'm the guy who makes sure the details aren't forgotten. That
makes for a very good product or service that flows smoothly and
leaves customers wanting more.
By harassment I don't mean getting on your case in a bad way.
We've all worked for people like that (and probably didn't enjoy
it.) I try to make my harassing fun and interesting.
Step one. Make sure the people around you--your employees, your
downline, your affiliates--really trust you. They have to know
that deep down you value them, like them, and want to help them
succeed.
You can do this by personalizing what you tell them. Don't send
a one-size-fits-all "to whom it may concern" memo. Send an email
with the specific person's name at the top. Talk directly to
their strengths, their weaknesses, and their particular
situation.
Even better, pick up the phone or drop by for an in-person visit.
It's always nice when you can put your business on auto pilot and
go fishing, but your key people will get discouraged if they
don't get a personal visit from you from time to time.
Step two. Let people know when they have done a good job. That
has far more influence on them than just complaining about what
they did wrong.
I learned that from a famous psychologist. If you did
something he liked, the psychologist would tell you what a smart
person you are. If you did something he didn't like, he would
simply sit quietly. After a while you only did the things he
liked, the things you got complimented for.
If the person does almost all the job right, but misses a few
things, let him know about it nicely. Use the Oreo cookie
method. First tell him what he did right, then mention the
few things that need to be corrected, then leave by again telling
him how he is doing a good job.
Step three. Group things together for people. Before my kids
leave for school I say "Don't forget to make your bed, take your
lunch with you, and mow the grass when you get home." Batch
together a few changes or tasks when you see people that work for
you. It works better than shooting isolated orders to them one
at a time. It is easier for people to stay organized.
Step four. Finally, make your harassing fun. Nobody likes to do
a job that is boring or, worse, makes them feel bad. Keep a
smile on your face and a light tone in your voice. When
something goes really wrong, change your tone so people
understand this is more serious.
Try to keep those two tones separate so people don't get
confused.
Work on being the woman or man who keeps things fun while all the
important details are getting taken care of. At the end of the
day, that is what separates the so-so managers from those who can
turn out a fine product or service and keep loads of happy
customers coming back.