Life Lessons Are Business Lessons

Most of these are trite platitudes that you have heard since you were a child. However, the fact they are still being repeated gives credence to their value as timeless pearls of wisdom. Take heed, what Mom, Nana or Pop-Pop said all those years ago about living right holds true for doing right in business.

If you don't know...ask
You are not expected to know everything about every nuance of your industry. You are expected to know where to find reliable information in a timely manner. Having knowledge at your fingertips via Google, Wikipedia or Alltop and knowing how to use these tools to find and disseminate information is a valuable skill unto itself.

Always count your change before walking away from the counter
You are responsible for your organization's finances, not the financial planner, accountant, bookkeeper or assistant. You should sign the checks and regularly review the books for thoroughness and accuracy.

Slow down...exhale/inhale...just breathe...it will be okay
You are innovative, intelligent and more than capable, if a situation arises, you can handle it. Whatever the case, it probably isn't as bad as it seems at first glance. The situation provides you an opportunity for creative problem solving.

Treat people the way you want to be treated
When you go to restaurant you expect a hostess to greet you with a smile and seat you immediately; you expect a server to greet you with a smile and offer to take your drink order and you expect your drinks to arrive in a timely fashion and not be watered down. Your customers and clients expect the exact same level of service from you.

Always carry a clean handkerchief (men) or a pack of tissues (women)
Being prepared is essential to making a memorable impression and closing the deal. Keep your mobile devices charged and bring chargers to meetings with you. And even though note taking can be done on various electronic devices, nothing is as reliable as a pen and paper...bring an extra pen too.

Think before you speak...pause...think some more...then you speak
Yes, you are brilliant, yes, they are proposing a silly idea and yes, you can save them money, increase their revenue and extend their brand awareness. Taking a few seconds before making your point will allow you to collect your thoughts and present your ideas in a clear and succinct manner.

Get annual physical examinations...nothing matters without your health
Be you a solopreneur or medium-sized organization, people are counting you. If you're not only bringing home the bacon, but raising the hog, slaughtering, curing and slicing it, then you need to be at the top of your game physically and mentally. Good health is an essential business tool.

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Networking 101: Make a Memorable Impression

You may not get a second chance to make a first impression, but you will get hundreds of chances to make memorable impressions. When you think of all of the business cards you have collected, do you remember any of the people, their products or services?

Nugget of knowledge: It's about making a memorable impression.

How to make a memorable impression:

  • Be present in the conversation, focus on who is speaking and what is being said
  • Look people in the eye when you speak to them
  • Shhhh...listen and repeat back what is said
  • Ask relevant, thoughtful and insight questions about his/her product or organization
  • Say their name and organization name at least three times during the conversation
  • BEFORE you hand over your business card, write something on the back to remind him/her of the conversation

To be unforgettable, follow-up with a same day email. Not only will you be ahead of everyone else, you'll make a memorable and good impression.
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