Month: July 2020

This is an unprecedented time, and virtually everyone across the globe has been impacted by the pandemic and its subsequent economic impact. You have likely experienced this in your life as well, and you may now be doing significant portions of your job online. If you have to interact with people as part of your job and you’re now doing that online or through Zoom, how you can still implement the personal touch into what you do?

People naturally want to connect with others, and this is especially difficult in this time. You may find yourself struggling with making connections with others through a computer screen, but there are a few things you can do to make these types of interactions more personal and better for all involved. If you want more of a personal touch in your daily work, you may want to consider the following tips:

• Before you jump into the business at hand, start by having a personal conversation.
• Ask about family, kids and other things going on. Many people are more separated and isolated during these times, and it is nice when someone cares what is going on in their lives.
• Put a picture of your family, pets or loved ones on your desk or workspace, offering a personal glimpse into your own life.
• Consider your audience, and prepare for your online meetings like you would for any sales presentation or face-to-face meeting.
• Eliminate distractions and keep looking into the camera, even if that is uncomfortable for you. Maintain eye contact just like you would for an in-person conversation.

These are only a few ways you can make your online calls better for all involved. What works best for you will depend on the type of work you do and the purpose of your meetings. Think about how you can implement the personal touch into your work on a daily basis, even if you are working remotely for the foreseeable future.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC

In the midst of a global pandemic and sense of uncertainty that is affecting virtually every area of life, many people are struggling with mental health issues. For those who are returning to work or have been working in an essential position for months, it is especially crucial that employers take the mental well-being of their workers seriously. It’s a stressful time, and many are feeling overwhelmed and anxious.

People who have been home for months may be feeling depressed. There is a significant mental and emotional toll associated with doing nothing and having limited social contact, but it can also be an overwhelming thought to return to the workplace right now. Employers should be careful to show support in whatever way possible and make sure to have all necessary safety precautions in place.

Employers should take the time to talk with their employees about how they are feeling. It’s perfectly normal to struggle with mental health issues, and having conversations about it can help those who need help to get it. Employees who may need additional support can be connected with a professional who can help them, and an employer may want to consider an alternative work schedule for those individuals.

There are many ways to promote good mental health in the workplace. What this looks like depends on the individual workplace and the needs of the employees. This is why it is crucial to listen to concerns, provide support programs, offer ways to express concerns anonymously and without fear of reprimand, and connect those who are struggling with resources they need.

Mental health in the workplace should be a priority, regardless of the type of workplace. Employers can take steps to guide their employees through a time of uncertainty, especially when transitioning to working in an office or public-facing position again.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC

One of the most important skills for any business owner is the ability to reasonably manage expectations. Customers and clients expect to get what they paid for, and sometimes they expect more than that as well. While you want to deliver what you promised, you also do not want to set expectations so high that you cannot possibly hope to meet them. It’s critical to manage reasonable expectations while overdelivering on quality.

First, you have to remember not to overpromise results when negotiating or speaking with a client. Don’t agree to things that are not profitable for you or worth your time simply to make a sale. Meet the expectations that you laid out for your customers, giving them what they paid for in a timely manner. Overdeliver in terms of service and the quality of the final product or service. This likely won’t cost you much, and you will be more likely to have a repeat client.

Set standards for yourself and your company, and stick to them. Commit to quality, and be up front with your customers about what they should expect. When a customer believes he or she was deceived in some way during the sales process, even if it was unintentional or a miscommunication, it will be very difficult to get that business back. Clear communication about what your pricing includes is crucial, as is consistency in prices and quality from transaction to transaction.

Setting your customers and clients up with reasonable expectations starts at the moment they reach out to you. Be honest and upfront, but also strive to provide a quality experience from beginning to end. You can please your customers by clearly communicating what you will do and by overdelivering on quality and the overall pleasantness of the experience.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC

If you own a business, you understand the importance of having good employees. Individuals who care about doing their jobs well are hard to find, and you want to take care of them as much as possible. It may surprise you to find out that certain things employers do can decrease job satisfaction and eventually drive away good employees. Specific behaviors may not seem detrimental on the surface, but you may be accidentally making your employees’ jobs more difficult and less enjoyable.

Do you hold meetings that don’t really need to be meetings? This may be an indication that you don’t truly value your employees’ time. You may need to consider adjusting your communication style for the benefit of your employees. Also think about ways you can communicate clearly and consistently. Clarity is key, as it can be very frustrating for employees when they aren’t sure what their bosses want from them.

The desire to overcontrol everything is something else that will drive away good employees. Let your people use their gifts and talents without you hovering over their shoulders. You may have the best of intentions, after all, it is your business to know how your business is doing. However, this may communicate that you don’t trust your employees. Give them room to work and have faith in them.

Employers should support employees and strive to make their business a pleasant place to work. This will help you hold on to good employees, and your company will run smoother with fewer complications. If you are unsure of how to do this, have conversations with your employees or allow them the opportunity to provide feedback. Don’t take this as a personal criticism of you, but as a way you can show your support and concern.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC