The single most annoying thing you can do

This is the same whether it is a business or on a personal level. The single most annoying thing that you can do is to say you will do something, then not do it. The worst part of all this is that to some degree we all do this with alarming frequency. We can all draw examples from our personal lives where we can see quite clearly the massive disappointment that results from being let down. It may be a small thing, which we deem unimportant, or it may be a massive thing. Either way the key is that we let someone down. One offs can destroy relationships, but it is quite likely you will survive a one off. The repeat offenders however stand little chance.

Looking at it from a business standpoint

Business is all about relationships. Two parties agree on specific terms of trade then the exchange of goods or services can happen. There is a relationship. As is often the case, where money is involved, the parties are more likely to be more uptight and less than impressed when they are let down. Their living and that of their family relies on the well being of their business.

An example could be between you and your Internet service provider. You agree to certain terms then they provide the service in exchange for your money. If they have a technical problem, and you are left without an Internet connection, then they will have let you down. As a once off, you will probably forgive, but not forget. If the problem occurs with any regularity, you will end the relationship. The more heavily you depend upon the service the less forgiving you will be.

No one is perfect

True. Very true. This is however not an excuse that will work out very well for you. Your customers will expect you to be a lot closer to perfect than you are. The problem in this case is that you have promised something that you maybe can not deliver. Have you ever noticed how hosting companies never promise 100% up time? Have you ever noticed disclaimers on products that tell you not to do things that it would appear the product has been designed to do. The best example I have of this occurs on extreme sports equipment. As a kiteboarder into the freestyle aspect of the sport I regularly use my kites to jump high into the air, as the riders in all the commercials for the kites do. On the kite itself however is a disclaimer saying not to use the kite for these purposes.

These examples of companies not promising a certain level of performance can be incredibly complicated as they enter into legal territory.

What can we do as entrepreneurs, small business owners and individuals?

This is simple really yet at the same time very hard. We need to think about this constantly. Your thinking “like I need something else to worry about” but unfortunately yes you do. If you try your up most to not let people down, chances are people will develop great relationships with you and trust will grow leading to both greater profits and a more pleasant working environment. Do not confuse not letting people down with trying to please everyone.

Try to please everyone?

Do this and you will fail. It is impossible to please everyone. Every decision you make will return an outcome that will not be what someone wants so get used to that. The difference between this and letting someone down is that in this case, you never said or agreed or promised you would do anything. You can not let someone down if you have not promised to do anything. This last statement is not entirely correct. Failing to commit to anything is not going to impress anyone. This is the same problem, but just the other end of the spectrum.

How can anyone achieve this?

The answer to this is a pretty personal one. Everyone will have their own way of working but two constants will prevail: planning and communication. Know what your schedule and workload is like. Know if you can realistically take on board more tasks without neglecting something else. If you can not, and you do, you will end up letting someone down. Communicate with your clients and suppliers and employees and whoever else it may concern. It is often possible to move certain projects and renegotiate terms in order to suit everyone. Very little is actually set in stone when it comes to business, so do not be afraid to ask.

Say for example, I had a deadline for project X in two weeks time, but one of my best customers wanted something done immediately, I would have no problem contacting those behind project X and seeing if they were still on track or whether there was room to maneuver. It is not uncommon to find that others are running behind schedule and delaying by a few days may suit both of you.

Once you run an organised business, where everyone knows exactly what needs to be done and by when you put yourself in a strong position whereby you can strive to satisfy your customers. If your own house is not in order you are setting yourself up to fail. A lack of communication can break even the strongest relationships. In the same way great communication can keep relationships together even under the most stressful of times. Even that simple one line email to let people know you received a fax, or another email can be a big thing.

Personally I found organisation to be a week point in my past which over time I have developed. This awareness has led me to make sure I have everything in order. You need to find a system which works for you. I find Google calendar is amazing. It is wherever I need it to be. What is your secret to an organised life?