2015: The need for speed

Posted: January 8, 2015 | Categories: Sales, Self-Improvement, Time management

As we start this new year, it is a good time to identify the most important area we need to improve and get busy working on it.  As the old expression goes, “If nothing changes…nothing changes”

Allow me to suggest an area for improvement that will serve you well.  MORE SPEED.

To be successful in business, we need to respond quickly to our customers.  The challenge is the speed we need to respond:  Our customers are just like us:  They are more demanding and inpatient than ever.

Some of us can remember the time when there was no electronic mail, and the fax machine had not been invented.  Our main delivery system was the Postal Service.  How about now?  We can send documents and replies instantly.  Responding to a text within 24 hours doesn’t cut it.  We expect an immediate response.  Even though we don’t always get an instant response…we expect it!  Not fair?  Too bad.  I am reminded of what one of my favorite high school teachers said:  “You’ve got to get there the firstest with the mostest!”

Let’s see if we can put this into action.  When you have an important client that needs a document or some information, here is what you say:  “I’ll get that to you right away”.  No, I am not suggesting you make a commitment you can’t keep.  That would compromise your integrity.  Just say, “I’ll get that to you right away”.  Then get it to then right away.  You demonstrate to your client that you are a “get it done” person.

Last week I received a call from a client that had lost an important document.  He knew that I had a copy, and asked that I send it to him.  I was in the middle of a big project and didn’t want to lose my momentum.  In spite of this, I said, “I get it to you right away”.  I did, and immediately received a return email that said, “Thanks…nice turn around”

My suggestion to you:  Without compromising your priorities, get into the “Do it now” habit.  People will notice your speed, and their perception of you and the quality of your service or product will go up.

 

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