Not doing it is “no big deal”

We all know we have to do what we say we will do. It is definitely a no-brainer.  And if it isn’t enough to know it, every sales book, service book and leadership book stresses it to the point of silly.  Because we know it, right?

Everyone I know feels they do this.  But let me tell you a little story.  I periodically need printing services for my clients.  There are several options to choose from in my area.  I got a call one day from a new company that wanted my printing business.  I didn’t have anything at that time, but promised to keep his information on file and by the way, I’m in a networking group that would be a great place to meet 20 or so business owners in the area who would like to know about your service.  We went on to have a 20 minute conversation about marketing a new business and how this networking group could help.  He said he would definitely be there that Friday.

Now, I fully understand that our group meets Friday morning at 7:30.  But I have not missed a single meeting since its inception in August of 2009.  So I have very little sympathy for the whole, “can’t get out of bed” thing.  Friday came and this individual didn’t show.  I have certainly had this happen before – I’ve invited a lot of people to our group.  But this individual specifically said he would be there.  So I went back to my office and frankly, forgot.  I then started receiving marketing emails from him, but never once got a note explaining why he missed, or that he decided it wasn’t the right avenue for him, or anything. He just didn’t do what he said he would do.  And guess what?  I will never give him printing business.  I don’t trust him to follow through or follow up if there’s an issue.  And as a side note, the printer I am currently using visited our group because she is a class act and follows through. But I digress….

So in his mind, we had the conversation, he either put the meeting on his calendar or not, didn’t think it was a big deal and blew it off.  Because it wasn’t about me, it was about him, right?  Except it was a commitment he made and I was expecting after spending 20 minutes of my time with him he would give something back – either attend or drop me a note as to why he didn’t. Regardless, I don’t have a warm fuzzy feeling about him over something he wrote off as no big deal.  And that’s where the danger lies – in the no big deal.

So be careful in your daily interactions that you aren’t calling something “no big deal” that is.  When you are on the phone with someone, if you give any indication you will do something, put it in your calendar, on your to do list or whatever you need to do to remember.  Because your no big deal could cost you business.