Stacy Allison – First American woman to climb Mt. Everest

Stand Out: Be A Professional

  1. Practice to become an excellent communicator. Develop a clear method of communicating with clients, sub-contractors and employees. Clear communication helps to build stronger working relationships, which helps keep the project on time, reduces mistakes, and improves satisfaction. Clear communication affects your bottom line.
  2. Always respond to phone calls promptly. It improves operational efficiency of the project and satisfaction of clients.
  3. Mistakes happen. Don’t try to cover them up and don’t blame others. Take responsibility for mistakes and correct them as soon as possible. The client will appreciate this and it makes you look more professional. Bottom line: the client wants it done right. Usually the client will forgive mistakes when you are up front about them and fix them expeditiously.
  4. Manage expectations. First of all, only promise what you can deliver. Let your clients know what to expect and keep them informed of all changes. If you are falling behind on the time line or are over budget, tell them immediately. They will be much more forgiving if you keep them in the loop.
  5. Keep the job site clean. This makes you and your crew look more professional. A clean job site is an efficient site. It cuts down on time spent looking for tools and materials. It also creates a safer work environment.
  6. Set and keep standards of engagement. A truly professional outfit has standards and guidelines on dress, language, and how they work with each other. Treat each other with respect and use common courtesies (“thank you” and “please” go a long way).
  7. Listen. Your client may not be able to express exactly what they want quickly. Don’t rush them into a decision they might regret. Ask open-ended questions and give the client time to talk through their ideas before you offer yours.
  8. Safety first. Safety is the highest value on the site. Don’t assume everyone knows how to be safe. Discuss safety, set up specific guidelines and expectations about safety. Then monitor and maintain your standards.
  9. It’s how you say it that matters. Monitor how you talk to your clients, sub-contractors and employees. Positive phrasing of sentences gives you confidence and gives others confidence in your abilities.
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