Business Tips with Tom Baskind

During these challenging times many of us now find ourselves working from home attempting to stay connected with our customers, clients and team members who are also working remotely. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to leverage technology (e.g. Zoom) to make sure your clients and business associates know that the work is being done as we all hope for better days ahead. During a crisis, business leaders have an opportunity to step up and really have a positive impact on others. When times are tough it’s important to be adaptable. These days, it is certainly not business as usual. Kindness, patience and a sense of humor can go a long way to let others know we are all in this together and that we will get through this global health crisis together. These days, I’m not just Thomas Baskind, business advisor, I also find myself acting as a business leader looking for new ways to assure and motivate others.I believe it’s important for all of us to find balance to counteract stress and be productive during this tough time. It takes courage, self-control, compassion, decisiveness and accountability to be an effective business leader. If you are involved with sales, it takes courage to take a risk and make that extra call to deal with a tough client or prospect and not be deterred. It has been said that finding courage in business or sales is significantly helped through knowledge of oneself and one’s occupation. Further, I would add that you also have to know the client’s needs and how you can best serve them.

Self-control is also key during tough times. It requires that business leaders be equally tough, disciplined and action-oriented while still being compassionate and empathetic to your client’s concerns and issues.

Being decisive. In these uncertain times, Decisiveness is a quality that clients and customers are looking for. You need to be able to decide on a correct strategy and action plan in the face of all challenges or obstacles and keep your client’s needs and goals front of mind always.

Being accountable. If I ever get a phone call or email that starts, “Tom, we have a problem,” I see that as an opportunity to problem-solve and reassure my client about who I am, that I am willing and able to take on the responsibility of addressing all problems in a confident and timely manner. You are your brand. Your words and actions require a belief in self and willingness to assume responsibility. That’s what leaders do. When things go according to plan that’s because of your vigilance and due diligence. When business strategy goes awry, that provides an opportunity to own the problem and solve it effectively.

Accountability and effective problem-solving actually strengthen client relationships. To be really successful in business, you need to be a leader to your team and associates, as well as to each customer or client.