Trusting in Business

There are few things in life that are true deal breakers. In business, we tend to get easily offended or we think a service we buy will excuse us from hard work. The truth is, there are three basic deal breakers in business. Everything else can be managed, worked through, or altered.

So, what are they?

1. Lying. Flat out lying. While you may think everyone in business fibs (which is terrible), usually- this isn’t true. If you have a partner, client, or employee who you know lies to you… get rid of them right away. They will put your company in jeopardy at some point.

2. Breach of contract. If you client or business partner breaches a contract, don’t allow this to continue on. Have an uncomfortable conversation first and try to set it right. If you can’t resolve the issue, talk to your legal team about other options.

3. Double-talking. It is very easy to find out when someone is talking negative about you. Why? It spreads within circles. If a client or employee or business partner is saying negative things about you, they don’t need to be affiliated with you. The level of trust is gone. Period.

Until Monday,

Twyla N. Garrett

Email is Ruining Business, Here’s Why!

Many people believe answering emails immediately is a good thing. After all, doing this displays how responsive and customer service orientated you are, right? Wrong. The truth is, study after study has been done on the immediate emailed response and if it is actually a good business practice. It turns out, it isn’t.

Constant mobile or desktop emails takes away from actual productivity and creativity. Many studies recommend you only option to check email three times a day and you shouldn’t ever host it on your smartphone device. If someone needs to talk, then can call or text you to setup a time.

Emailing can also create project distractions and overcomplicate tasks. Nothing beats being productive more than taking short breaks for an inspiring walk or actually doing the work. So, this week try to keep emails in check by only checking them three times a day.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

You're Fired..... It's Not What You Say!

Statics show every American will be fired at least once in their lifetime. Well, if you're on the other end of the spectrum- firing someone can be hard. But, it doesn't have to be. There are some phrases that you can avoid using. These phrases will help the firing goes as well as it can without escalating into an office crisis.

1. Don't say "this is really hard for me." Remember, it isn't personal, it is business. Firing someone because he or she didn't perform well isn't a hard decision to make.

2. We're going in a different direction. This sentence is not a valid reason to let someone go. In fact, the best thing you can do for the person you are firing is let them know where he or she failed so the action can be corrected in the future.

3. "We're cutting staff." Don't say this unless it is true. Lying about this can lead to a lawsuit.

There are times to say what is really on your mind. When you're firing someone- remember, this isn't one of those times. Personal reasons can lead to issues within your company so be direct and be swift.

Twyla