All of us have at least one bad habit that we have to work hard to keep in check. But when it comes to the business world, these bad habits could quickly turn toxic and prevent us from making lasting connections with potential customers, clients or vendors.
Here are a few common unprofessional bad habits. Do you have any first-hand experience with any of these?
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Your small business wants to grow and attack challenges like attracting new customers and improving cash flow. And everyone wants their customers to have a positive experience so they tell their friends about your company. Download your free copy of Sales and Marketing: 8 Ways to Grow Your Small Business and learn how you can make simple changes that will yield increased revenue. Lateness is perhaps the most pervasive bad habit in the business world. It seems we all work with at least a few people who are perpetually late for everything, whether it’s meetings or deadlines. However, just because you have a client or coworker who is regularly late doesn’t mean you’re justified in being late as well. Showing up on time and meeting your deadlines shows you are serious about your work and committed to providing great service.
- Casual profanity. You’d be surprised at how many people I get on the phone with who, even in our first ever discussion, have no problems dropping some casual curse words. This is an easy way to make a bad first impression. It doesn’t make you come across as personable — it makes you come across as unprofessional.
- Disorganization. The less you’re able to stay organized and handle your own affairs, the less likely you’ll be able to keep up with your clients and customers. Do whatever you can to get yourself organized. You’ll be amazed at how much more work you get done each day.
- Overpromising. There’s an old saying that business people should “under promise and over deliver,” which is smart advice, as there are a few things wrong with overpromising. First, the more you promise, the more likely it is you’ll fail to deliver on those promises. Second, people have a tendency to believe people who promise them the world are merely blowing smoke and will never actually be able to meet those promises. If you set realistic expectations and then surpass them, you’ll earn a lot of good will.
What other types of unprofessional bad habits have you encountered in the workplace? Are you guilty of any of these?
Copyright 2015 Viral Solutions LLC
by Thomas von Ahn | Chief Elephant Slayer
Viral Solutions LLC is a Digital Marketer Certified Partner and an Infusionsoft Certified Consultant.
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