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Find your Voice, and start by saying “No.”

January 26, 2018Lori Rohrbach

 

 

 

 

The desire to please is in all of us. We want to satisfy and please our loved ones, friends, bosses, customers and the list goes on.  We all know the expression: “The customer is always right.” But what about those times when the customer is actually wrong? When their desires, their needs, do not meet those of the business?

That’s the dilemma facing every rising brand. It starts out with a vision, a passion to deliver something unique to an audience that just can’t get enough of whatever it may be. But little by little, we begin to saturate the market. Competitors arise, and we look for new buyers.

And that’s when it happens: we become “yes” people. You know, those middle management cogs that deliver satisfactory performance, meet adequate goals, and are remembered by absolutely nobody.

That may be okay for the average corporate employee, but when brands start saying “yes” too often, they tend to stall out. Trying to please too many people not only waters down the message, it often compromises the very product or service we’re selling.

Our businesses cannot be all things to all people. And neither should our brands. Markets are saturated not because of the limitations of our products, but because of vastly increasing distribution channels. And it’s precisely when anyone anywhere can find your product that you need to be crystal clear about what you’re selling.

This is the time to go back to basics. Remember why you got into the business in the first place. Dig deep and harness that inner voice. And start saying “no” to those people that want you to be something you’re not.

There are plenty of good buyers out there. But they’re being bombarded by new choices daily, and the most successful brands will be the ones that take a stand, stay true to their promise, and commit to their loyal customers.

 

Author: Ashlee Goodman

Previous post Why Being Copied is the Biggest Compliment Next post When Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word

Eight Work-From-Home Etiquette Tips

Eight Work-From-Home Etiquette Tips

 

Whether telecommuting is old hat or something you’ve been forced into as part of the COVID-19 shutdown, here are a few tips to make the experience run smoothly for both employers and employees.

 

Managing expectations

Successful work-from-home strategies always begin with clearly communicated expectations. Make sure your employees have any necessary equipment, tools and resources.  Will they need to track their time? Participate in regularly scheduled meetings? Be available at certain times of day? For employees, know what you’re accountable for and clearly communicate any challenges you’re having.

 

Constant communication

Keep the lines of communication open and be accessible. Check in with employees regularly through apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts and Skype, or even an old-fashioned email or phone call. Be genuinely interested in how they’re doing but don’t overdo it. Foster a feeling of trust by not micromanaging.

 

Nine to five…ish

While having a daily schedule is ideal, it may not always be practical right now. Make sure your people know when you need them to be available and try to offer flexibility at other times. They may be juggling school schedules as well as work schedules and working at “off-shift” times may be necessary. Be mindful of employees in different time zones as well.

 

For employees, try to work when you’re at your best, and not when you’re exhausted by kindergarten playtime and fourth grade math. Make sure people know if you will be unavailable at certain times.

 

Taking a break

Getting up and moving clears the head and helps with creativity and problem-solving. Whether it’s a walk around the block or a break for lunch, make time to get away from your desk throughout the day.

 

Signing off

Working from home does not mean being available 24/7. Set an actual end to the workday if possible. Don’t send and respond to messages at all hours. Sign out of messaging apps and close work programs. Understand and respect these boundaries.

 

Location, location, location

When setting up a home office, think about where you will have the fewest distractions – for yourself and for those who may be seeing you and your background on a video conferencing platform. Try to avoid busy spots that may include semi-clad people walking behind you, barking dogs and kids vying for your attention.

 

Conferencing and calls

Be clear about whether you expect people to turn on their cameras during meetings. If so, be clear about how they should be dressed. During calls, mute your phone when you’re not talking to avoid background noise. Headphones can also help with call quality. When speaking, pause frequently so others can participate in the conversation.

 

Social engagement

It’s ok for managers and employees to have some down time together, which may help ward off feelings of isolation. Keep up your normal level of interaction, perhaps with a virtual coffee break or happy hour. Managers should set the tone for how casual to be. Let employees choose what they would like to share, and never pry into areas that were off-limits before.

 

 

Author: Erin Alderfer

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