When we speak of Christmas and New Year’s Eve we generally think of happy times, as well as of those who become more forgiving and giving, too. It’s curious why this isn’t the norm all year round.
As a business professional, being a better person is critical for attracting the right attention and clientele. Your personal brand depends upon it; you never know who may be watching you in action including a prospective client you were trying so hard to reach.
Consider if there is a routine behavior that could be called into question but is easy enough to change. Some examples are:
– Neglecting to wish receptionists, guards and doorman a happy holiday season. Turn this into approaching everyone with warm season greetings. This one behavior served to build solid relationships with clientele and secured the sales.
– Not asking the checkout clerk how their day is going. It’s a boring job simply checking people out of the store. Many times friendly customers asking, “How is your day going?” will be treated with an interesting conversation. Once again, we are all “linked–in”.
– Smiling only when necessary. How do you feel when people pass by ignoring you or seem grumpy? Smiling at others can make a difference in another person’s day. Sometimes your smile will bring about a nice surprise that will put an even bigger smile on your face.
The perception of “Goodwill toward Men” during the holidays isn’t necessarily true to form either. Patience is short and some are seen displaying dishonorable behavior. In just one day, two witnessed incidents were mind-boggling:
1. A woman rode her bike across the middle of a highway uncaring about oncoming traffic. She placed herself ahead of everyone else by ignoring the law requiring her to go to the crosswalk or traffic light. Instead, she chose to make the cars stop for her. While she may not be the chicken that crossed the road, it is very conceivable that one day she won’t be so lucky to make it across at all.
2. While in the grocery store, another woman attempted to cut in line. The clerk attending to the cash register kindly informed her where the line was formed. To everyone’s dismay, the woman angrily took the groceries in her hand and forcibly threw them directly at the clerk. And then she stormed out of the market.
While pressure may be felt waiting in line, a better strategy is to bring something to keep your attention so that waiting isn’t difficult. For example, I use my phone to connect with others on social media while waiting in line. Instead of feeling I lost time waiting, I leave happily knowing that I made good use of my time.
As far as taking unnecessary risk, why do that? The smart entrepreneur takes calculated risk where more of the odds are in their favor. Consider your next project for the New Year and how it may be translated into an income stream.
These tips will lead you to the Smooth Sale!
