“The President is calling!” I heard our receptionist say, as she buzzed my office.
“The President???”
Not meaning to get political here; however, if a U.S President called your office asking for you personally, would you not be (to say the least) curious, and promptly (after some mental adjustments) answer that call?
I dare say, no matter your political leanings, you would pick up that phone. Surely, using your most respectful voice, you would answer, “Hello, Mr. or Ms. President, how may I help you?” RIGHT?
The President of Another Company Calls You
Okay, so how do you respond when an owner or “C” officer—president—of another company calls to speak with you personally?
Do you pick up immediately out of respect for another business “warrior?” Or, conversely, do you instruct your gatekeeper to tell that president you are “in a meeting,” or have the call sent to your voicemail?
If we have enough respect to take the call of even a U.S. President we may not have voted for, would we not show the same respect and courtesy to one who holds the office of president or other leadership role in another company?
You, as the now-established business owner or lead officer, know what you went through to build your own company. It saddens me, how little courtesy or respect is shown to the owner of a smaller, even start-up company!
Business Etiquette is Still a Good System
How hard is it for you to give the same respect to another business owner who is hoping to inform you of their products that might immensely help YOUR business?
LIKE YOU, these start-up or smaller business owner/presidents have ALSO risked all to get their company started! Good business etiquette can help establish customer relationships, and even business partnerships.
LIKE YOU, these risk-takers deserve the same courtesy for doing what very few people have the grit to do. They sacrificed time and money to start a business that creates jobs and opportunity for many!
May I suggest a better tack for the next time you receive a call saying, “The president in calling!” Please take the time to pick up the phone and say, “Hi, Mr. or Ms. President, how can I be of assistance?” It may just be a pivotal call that will greatly benefit you and your own company.
Respecting the personal call of another business owner/leader, LIKE YOU, is always good business; a good system!
Did I mention? Great systems work!