Who do you trust?
Probably those who you determine are reliable. So, those who don’t keep
their promises quickly lose the trust of their friends and colleagues.
Before
you commit to a new project or obligation, be sure you can fulfill it.
If you really aren’t certain, then say so. It’s better to simply
disappoint someone now than show up empty-handed on the day of your big
promise. If, despite your best effort, you think you’ll miss a deadline
or milestone, then contact the other person and explain what has
happened. We’ve all been in similar situations and again:
disappointment is a lot different than “I can’ trust you.”
5 Ways To Become Reliable
1. Before you agree to a new obligation, check that you have enough time–then keep your promise.
2. Say “no” to demands that may stretch you past your capacity. This means being honest with yourself, about yourself, first.
3. Be honest and realistic about the scope of work and related deadlines.
4. Quickly alert people when you know there will be a delay.
5. Meet deadlines and create trust.
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Speaking of reliablity: How about a reliable source for those of you who are thinking about a business start-up?
My online friend and serial entrepreneur, GL Hoffman, has written a small book called Startup: 100 Tips To Get Your Business Going. There are over 100 short paragraph answers in the book, such as:
1.
Should you jump in and save every sales situation? Number 59. This
answer makes you a leader.
2. Do you have to know everything that’s
happening? Number 39.
3. What is the one thing that makes
people join your new company? Number 38.
4. Is having fun at
work over-rated? Number 6.
5. Why is firing someone at your
startup extra hard? Number 7.
6. Why do you have to be an
energy-creator? Number 96.
7. Why you don’t want your people
to worry like you are worrying. Number 82.
8. Why the “new
guy” could be doing more harm than good. Number 66.
9. Why
you shouldn’t trust those who say they can help you raise money. Number
67
10. What is the biggest sign of a culture that is
developing badly? Number 54.
11. Are your customers always
right in a startup? Number 47.
12. On the priority list for a
startup, where does SALES rank? Number 30.
13. What one
thing can you do to motivate yourself? Number 23.
Darned good deal from a guy who has started and sold a lifetime-worth of companies.
