Tip #5 Schedule time to think

This does not imply that thinking is not going on; it?s just that we get too caught up in action and seldom take the necessary time to stop. Stop to think through a challenge, stop to evaluate strategy, and stop to contemplate about anything. Since inaction is perceived as not progressing, we discourage ?thinking time?. This is why outsiders are often able to see what we cannot. It isn?t that we cannot see it; it is just that we have not taken the time to slow down, observe, think, and contemplate. When planning your week, schedule time to think.

Tip #6 Beyond the customer experience

We all know that servicing the customer is paramount. We know it, but many fail to meet the minimum expectations. And sometimes we do not realize we are not meeting expectations. Customers are more demanding than they used to be. Develop a profile of the most discriminating customer for your product or service. Describe them as best you can.

• What do they want in the product or service
• How quickly do they want it
• What are there expectations regarding phone inquiries (When they have a question, how do they most prefer to access the information)
• What is the optimum sales experience from first contact to order taking to actual purchase
• What is their packaging preference
• How do they define the perfect transaction
• Etc.

Once you have developed this profile, start by taking action to provide the level of service expected by the most demanding customer outlined above, to all customers. Once you have achieved this, then take just one profile element point and determine how you can expand on the experience, giving even more. Then take the next and the next.

Tip #7 Go out on a limb

Remember the old saying, nothing ventured, nothing gained? Well, it is true. Do not limit yourself by being afraid to take chances. Of course, you will not always succeed, but not only will you learn great lessons, but you will also create breakthroughs. Each failure should be viewed as a step closer to success. The odds are on your side. This does not mean that you should take action without proper preparation. Take the necessary precautions, evaluate the alternatives and try it.

Do you see how these tips can improve your performance? Improving performance will allow you to grow in a number of ways. Grow by being more responsive, understanding the customer better, increasing your flexibility, utilizing employees better, encouraging creativity, reducing bad decisions, and multiplying your strengths.

Copyright © 2004, Kay Graham-Gilbert

About The Author

Providing knowledge, not just information is our quest. Kay Graham-Gilbert, author and executive of Interactive Consulting has an extensive background in creating effective operations. She invites you to learn more about practical business strategies to put into action now by going to http://www.interactiveconsultingusa.com/results1.a