What parenthood teaches me about client management in 9 POINTS
I remember on the day my daughter was born saying to my self, this was the biggest and most wonderful job of my life and I was not sure I could deliver. For a few months, I went through so many phases in one day that I cannot find a better word than rollercoaster.
Of course, I am able to write about this because, it has been 4 years and in the meantime, my second daughter was born. So, my confidence grew and I have learn that there is no such thing as a perfect mother.
I am making this parallel with the business world because, through the years, parenthood has brought me a lot of value in the way I related to my clients, and I am not being patronizing. An incident yesterday made me pat myself in the back and realize that being a parent, definitly made me a better business woman.
9 points on how raising children can allow you to grow as a better service provider:
1 – Stay calm whatever happens
2 – Manage their expectations
3 – Do not promise what you cannot deliver
4 – You are not their friend
5 – You do not own what they are going to do with your advice
6 – Saying Yes all the time does not make you more likeable
7 – Don’t be afraid to say, I don’t know ( make sure you check and get back to them)
8 – Be dedicated
9 – Do not blabber online , it is embarassing
Distinguished guest of my blog, you may give a try to the 10th point
Tags: entrepreneurs, social media
As a social media practitioner, I advise companies and entrepreneurs on how to integrate social media in their overall business strategy.
I define, implement and monitor social media programs in order to achieve business.
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10/ consistency, consistency, consistency… it’s 90% of the game
hello Mac,
Indeed, you said it! I am glad it resonated.
Great to meet you and hope to see you out here often.
Karima-Catherine
13: When you able to deliver the unexplainable and unexpected results – you Rock! It’s like being Santa and the Tooth Fairy! How’d you make this happen? Great post!
Ericka,
thank you and I am sure we will have many opportunities to talk about teh Tooth fairy link to the client
Karima-Catherine
Hi Karima,
Love this post, it’s so true. Sometimes I actually find myself repeating some of the points on your list when I’m with the kids, especially no. 1 and 3. I have one last one to suggest in addition to John’s:
12. Remember, that sometimes it’s a question of perception.
There are times when the kids will find me on my laptop typing away because I have a deadline the following day. In those situations, I have trained myself not to say those terrible words: ”Mommy’s busy right now” when the kids ask me to play. Instead, I’ll say: ”Just let me finish this one last thing and you’ll have all my attention”. In the back of my mind, I’m thinking about my next PPT slide, but in front of the kids they think I’m just trying to get my hippo to eat! It’s all about PERCEPTION
Thanks for the great post!
Sandra
Hi Sandra,
Thank you for number 12. Love your addition and knowing you, I am sure, this situation actually happens and you make it seemless
Drop by often
Karima-Catherine
A lot of people ask me where I come up with ideas for my posts, I keep telling us it’s all around us. You did exactly that – client management lessons from parenthood – I love it.
True I’m not a parent, but I can’t wait till the day I’m married with children of my own. However, I still think I can add a lesson or two:
10- Make sure you have enough time and resources to cater to their needs (equally).
11- Try to understand what they are really asking for
Great post about parenthood and management !!!
John,
Thank you for your addition to this entry. Glad you added points 10 and 11. Make a lot of sense.
I am sure you will make a wonderful, responsible and loving father.
See you on Twitter and visite this place soon:)
Karima-Catherine.
So true! It is amazing what parenthood teaches you on some many levels. And how the skills learned as a PR pro come in handy as a parent… Especially with toddlers.
Thank you for visiting me here. You and I probably know a few things about how managing a toddler helps tremendously in the business world. And buy saying this, i am not disregarding those who are not parents at all. Everyone finds their own way of learning.
KC
I loved It, it’s true i’m not a mother yet, but I see my mom and those 9 points are exactly like her even if she is not really conscious of it. She always told us that being a mother made her grow up as an individual. My mom always told us that parenthood is one of the most beautiful and rewarding experience that she had in her whole life and that she still learn each day with me and my younger sister growing up. Thank you to all the mothers that not only have to take care of there children but that they also worked and however always find some time for there children. You are all an inspiration.