Business

Call a meeting 
YOU ARE THE LEADER

If you call a meeting, whether it’s with employees, a client or a vendor, be prepared to lead it.  You called it; you must know why.  Don’t depend on others – instead, prepare. An agenda outline is advisable.  Don’t go overboard with detail, or the meeting is without meaning.  Meetings are for ideas, discussions, and feedback, not merely announcements and notices.

Your invitees will know from the agenda what you expect to achieve at the meeting.  As a courtesy, and if possible, distribute a copy of the agenda to the other participants at least a day or two ahead of time.  Remember, everyone is busy.  You will accomplish more at your meeting, and appear far more professional.

CLEAN MACHINE

Often it is sensible to drive with fellow employees, colleagues or clients to another location. It is not a positive reflection upon you or your company if your vehicle is a pigpen.  A clean machine reflects positively.  If you don’t have the time or inclination to clean the vehicle yourself, pay a professional detailer to do the job.  If your vehicle isn’t capable of being made presentable, consider a rental car.  Sometimes the image is important enough to go the extra step.

RECOMMENDATIONS OF OTHERS

You cannot do everything.  If the occasion arises that requires a referral to others, be careful.  Check the person or company’s present reputation first.  Not only is poor workmanship and the attendant damage to your reputation at risk, but it is also possible that a referral recommendation can get you sued unless you received up-to-date information beforehand.  After all, you provided your opinion endorsing that person or company, thus your neck may be on the line.

Remember that the extra effort to give a referral, whether within or outside of you own field of endeavor, not only is because going the extra mile may encourage this customer or client to return another day, but also is to seek return referrals from the party to whom you are referring.  It is not offensive to write a note with the name of the party to whom you are referring and say: “Always seemed to do good work, but I have no current knowledge” OR “Present reputation seems good, but I haven’t worked with XXX for a couple of years.” At the same time, you might suggest to the referral that if they can give you a minute, you will call XXX and talk to one of the people you know there to see if they could consider their assignment.  NOTE: if the party you are referring says “Thank you,” be sure to say “You are welcome” – but add: “I’m sure you would do the same if our positions were reversed.” This engenders a sense of obligation to pass on the goodwill, often back to you.