The Power of Being Honest

Today, I opened up my email and saw a subject heading stating:
♥ We're Sorry. Can we try this again? ♥

This email was from a print vendor I have used in the past. I was intrigued. I usually just delete these promotional emails but the subject line caught my attention this time. Upon reading the first sentence, I realized this was a heartfelt message.  Overnightprint's Chief Management Officer, Michael Wolfe, described in detail how the company had let customers down.

He was brutally honest! A trait that so many of us push down for fear of rejection or for exposing our imperfections. He followed up with how the company will do better and extended an offer to customers to further express his gratitude for their understanding. He even gave out his personal phone number so people could call him directly!

I applaud you, Michael Wolfe, for being transparent and honest. For following up and for being willing to do what was uncomfortable but probably needed.

And because of this email, I was lead to design something to be printed. I want to take advantage of the improved services. This is the power of being honest!

It is a lesson to all business owners - we are human, we flub up. Take accountability and rectify the situation. Yes, it hurts the wallet when we have to spend more time correcting our errors, but this is business. And if you don't correct your errors and take care of your customers, you won't have any customers to care for at all.

-----------------------

Alicia White, CEO and Founder of Back of the Room Productions™ and SpeakerSheets.com, helps speakers, coaches, authors, and business experts give their message legs long after they leave the stage through professional branding and powerful products. From speaker sheets to back of the room products, clients receive high-level graphic design and expert branding strategy that leads them to speaking success!

Sign up for valuable tips on public speaking!

Logical Choices from the Heart

It’s funny where life puts you. Every choice you make is what got you to where you are now.

Add caption

Many times when I was younger, I made choices based on emotion, not logic. Haven’t we all done that? Some were great choices (going to college), others could have been detrimental (who goes backpacking alone in Europe!?). Some choices slowed my growth, others accelerated it. The best choice I ever made in my life was putting an ad on AOL’s love connection in 1995 – that’s how I met Rick, my soul mate.

Today, now that I am older, and by the way, I LOVE being in my 40’s, I am making choices that are more logical. I still rely on my heart to steer me in the “right” direction, but I listen to my head more now than I use to. For example, even though I started my graphic design business in 2004, it has taken me a long time to get "business sense;" acting logically rather than emotionally. Now, I have signed contracts before doing work and I base my merits on a job-well done rather than someone liking me.

Don’t get me wrong, the heart still gets in the way, like finding my place among other entrepreneurs. Recently, I discovered I have value to others and it continues to rise­ – a challenge I’ve had a lifetime. Don’t think that is what makes me weak. It’s not. It’s what has made me stronger. And even through life’s turbulence, I maintain this thought: I have value. Sure, I could stand for some polishing like improving my relationships in business and how to communicate better, but if I can overcome previous challenges, I can overcome these; and it is my choice to see this to fruition

If you have a strong personality like me, then recognize there is room for change. Learn to do it now not later; before you make mistakes you can’t fix. The choice is ultimately yours. Listen to others to improve your weaknesses; recognize those who help you; ask for help; think logically in business decisions; make a positive impact on someone’s life daily; and be true to your heart.

Butterfly Wings

Someone was commenting on the fact they can't find something to wear. I, too, have this challenge because I am a large woman and the shirts they make today do not have the longer sleeves that I prefer. I like sleeves that cover my big and saggy upper arms. I actually refer to my upper arms as butterfly wings. Funny story on how that came about.

You see, Becca is the lovely daughter of some dear friends of ours. She and I formed a bond when she was two or three. I loved this little girl with all my heart and soul. And she loved me. I still remember years later, that crooked grin, little pug nose, and those piercing brown eyes looking into mine and feeling overcome with unconditional love.

One day when she was about five, she was sitting on my lap and she poked on my big belly. She asked "why are you fat?" As her mother rushed over, interjecting "I'm so sorry" I brushed it off and told her the truth. "I eat too much, Becca." I took that moment to share and educate about how eating too much food can lead to people being fat. She then pinched my upper arm and said "Is that how your arm got so big?" I said yes. She snuggled closer to me, resting her head in my bosom and said "That's okay. They look like butterfly wings."

I share this story because I think most business owners have lost their ability to be direct and forthcoming. It happens as owners are left with the reoccurring challenge when partners and/or clients break contracts and commitments. Over time, we become jaded and, most often, distrustful of the next person we do business with. You can prevent much of this by having signed contracts and STICKING WITH the terms of the contract: For example, don't start a project until your payment terms are met even if this client or partner is a good friend.

For the next month, try greeting potential clients and partners with the same directness as a five year old. Be your genuine self instead of putting up those walls. You will soon learn that person's integrity, and if it is a good match, stick with the plan. If not and you have an "icky" feeling, be direct and honest, like a child, and say "It's just not a good fit for me."

Alicia White is the CEO of Back of the Room Productions, home of the Speakers Briefcase™, Authors Briefcase™, and The Speaklet™ and North America's first Back of the Room Branding and Marketing Materials Provider. Copyright 2012.