Small Business Coaching
The Problem
As a small business coach, I’m constantly thinking of the problems that small business owners have and how I can provide the business coaching that will help them. This weekend I was thinking about how often small business owners make agreements but then later end up in arguments – or simply disagreements – about what they and another person actually agreed on.
At best, this leads to emotional tension, difficulties in the business relationship, and time spent working out the agreement. At worst, it is the end of a business relationship or worse, the beginning of a lawsuit. You don’t want to find yourself in this situation.
Small Business Coaching
The solution
Get your agreements in writing.
A handshake used to work. But in today’s litigation prone world, you need it in writing.
When you put your agreement down in writing and both people review it, you make it more precise. You are now both more clear about what you agreed to. This helps avoid confusion and problems months or even years down the road.
Small Business Coaching
And, you don’t have to make this a formal agreement. If you have a phone call with someone and make an agreement, you can send them a letter or email that confirms what you agree to.
For example: “I enjoyed speaking with you today. As I understand our call, we agreed to ……..or you agreed to do……… and I agreed to do……..” You may want to add, “Please confirm this email and our agreement.”
Entrepreneur Training
Coaching: Be precise. Details are always better than general terms. For example: “you agreed to purchase 10 units of X” is always better than “you agreed to buy our X product.” Put this coaching into practice this week by following up a phone call or meeting in which you made an agreement, with a customer, employee, supplier, with a letter or email confirming your agreement.
Your Small Business Coach,
J V Crum, III, M.B.A., J.D., M.S. Psy
Small Business Coaching and Entrepreneur Training
Founder, Conscious Millionaire Institute, LLC
Director, Conscious World Foundation, Inc
That’s a great tip J.V. To further nail down this idea, when I follow-up via email, I then have an email folder for each of my important contacts, so that I then know where I put the agreements for future reference.
Keep the great ideas coming,
Kevin
Kevin Schoeninger, Author
The Mind-Body Training Company