I’ve been struck lately with the mediocrity of people conducting business. As summer is making its way front and center, and I’m spending more time outside, I’ve noticed needed home repairs. So I’ve called on various vendors. Come on out, have a look, get me a quote, I’m ready to do business. Ready to choose your services and pay you my hard earned money. And then… crickets. I wait… and I wait. And then begin to wonder if the proverbial dog ate their quote. And their phone.

It has absolutely astonished me that people don’t respond, don’t provide a quote when they say they will. But not only that, once you do award them the job, they do just enough to send you the bill. If you don’t go behind and check their work, you’ll be calling another tradesman to make it right in six months or a year. It’s not that I’m sitting in judgment (ok, maybe a little), I’m just scratching my head. Hard. How do these people survive in business? Isn’t is much harder to get new customers than to please the ones who are already ready to trust you?

But wait… there’s more. The biggest issue I have, being a woman, is that there have been times (not all, of course) when I stand up and say something, and I (in big bold print) am perceived as the b!tch. And after conversations with a handful of female friends, I realize I am not alone in this. I want to make it very clear that I don’t want to be perceived as that. I promise. It’s just that my fair expectations and your work don’t match, and because I had the courage to call it out, well… now it’s somehow my fault. Hmmm…

Through my own experiences over the last few weeks, I’ve found myself spending a lot of brainpower on this. How can I get certified in all the trades, form a team, and then make a killing. Because I’d like to think we would be different. The little things. We would focus on those “little things” that many companies just seem to pass on by. But these are what make the difference.

People and their voices matter. Every one and every voice, no exceptions. One of our clients at A Salty Rim embodies with precision their motto, “Help First” in all they do. In his business, this isn’t just an aspiration, it is a way of doing business, and life. Whatever he and his team does, they are compelled by their ultimate goal of helping every person they interact with first, before serving themselves. And it’s beautiful to watch.

Do you want to stand out? Do you want to be noticed as different, even exceptional? Unfortunately, or fortunately, I’m beginning to think it doesn’t take much. These 5 simple actions will cause people to take notice. To trust you time and time again. And refer you to all their friends. Because, as humans, we crave being noticed, being listened to and understood, and mattering, even to those who write a mortgage, sell our house, or fix our roof leak. Then we tell others. 

So here are those 5 magnificently simple things, in no particular order:

1. Call people back – when people call you, it’s for a reason. They have something they want to talk about. Something they need to ask. And they think you just may have the answer. Whether you choose to call them back in a window of 4 hours or 24 hours, just make sure you call.

2. Do what you say you’ll do – You promise a quote by end of day tomorrow? That’s perfect… make sure I have it by the time you say. And maybe even a little sooner. If you’re exceptionally busy, that’s ok… just tell me and give me a reasonable time that works for you. I’m ok with that, I just want you to keep your word. A tip: If you have a lot going on, carry a notebook to create a list of all your promises made throughout the day.  

3. Ask questions and listen – Do your very best to get as much information about an issue before making any conclusions. Everybody knows the better option is to listen way more than talk, but, in the moment, our voice sometimes sounds too good to our own ears. If this is the case, talk to yourself in the car, then listen when you are with another person.

4. Do things the right way, the first time – A wise friend told me something I won’t ever forget… “There are only two ways of doing things: the right way and the wrong way.” Simple, but oh so true. Do. It. Right. Don’t waste time by cutting corners. Karma has a way of not being very nice.

5. Think “how would I like to be treated?” before you act… or react – If this question permeated every one of our conversations, what a difference it would make. The Golden Rule is golden for a reason. Because if I treated you like I want to be treated, I’m probably going to guarantee over-the-top service.

And one more bonus thing that should serve as an overarching principle…

6. Be nice – we are created to be in relationships. I’m not saying we need to go out and have drinks together, but treat all of those who are your clients, or potential clients, like they matter. After all, they chose you. Choose them back with something as simple as a smile and good, honest work.

I’ve met people in business (and in life) who naturally do all of these things on the list above. Of course they are not perfect. And that’s absolutely okay. These folks are salt of the earth kind of people, who still work in their business because they are passionate about it. Because they know that the skills and abilities with which they can do good work, have been given to them so they can better someone else. And I am drawn to them. And I would offer a guess that you are drawn to them as well. Drawn to them because they are the cream of the crop, doing the simple things that are possible to be done by all, but executed only by the ones who care to really do it differently.