On LinkedIn I am a member of the eMarketing Association. One of the most popular threads on that group is one started by Marian Manuel and called “What lessons from your first job do you still use today?”
I wanted to share a few of these great ideas with everyone else. Thanks Marian for starting this post, and reminding me of why I do the things I do, the way I do them!
* Always Smile.. It shows in your voice and your attitude.
* Proper prior planning prevents piss poor performance. (Thanks Sandi Foran for this gem! I’m putting it on my office wall.)
* Repeat business is always easier than getting new customers.
* Remember who pays your bills… it isn’t you!
* No one, client or employee, is irreplacable.
* Always LEARN, LEARN, LEARN!
* You can’t hid behind friends, politics or other people’s work!
* Don’t make assumptions.
* Always ask questions, and get explanations.
* Show your enthusiasm, but stay professional
* Write everything down. Meetings, statements, etc. Those notes might save your butt in the future.
* Work from a list. That way you won’t forget anything.
* Face up to problems, and meet them head-on. Don’t bury them. Be the first one to bring an issue to your boss and give him a solution at the same time. It only looks worse if you wait until the customer has found it him/herself.
* Balance family, work and personal life. But be ready to work overtime when it is in your client’s best interests.
* The first thing you always sell.. is yourself.
* Not everyone likes you. Not everyone is your friend. Don’t let a smile fool you.
* Make common sense, a common practice.
* LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN!!!
* If you are going to be in the game… BE IN THE GAME! Don’t sit on the bench.
* Pick your battles well.
* Be punctual.
* Check, re-check, double check, triple check.. your facts.
* Be yourself, state your answer, and then support it.
* Don’t pander.
* Manage your time, or else it will manage you.
* Touch everything only once… email, voicemail, etc… make a decision and handle it or delegate it. (Thanks Christina Bartels.. I grew up hearing this from my mom. The reminder was well needed!)
* Learn something new every day.
* You can give respect to others… but you have to earn it for yourself.
* Try something new at every opportunity.
* Always ALWAYS ALWAYS… deliver on your promises.
* Remember there is always someone that knows more than you.
* Work for your team.. not for yourself.
There are hundreds, nay.. THOUSANDS… more of these on the message thread.
