Bringing the Barn Identity with You

Most of us operate on the same level: It is the little things that can make or break any kind of relationship.

The business relationship is not any different.

The little things are really what can set us apart from the other guy:

• Microsoft Small Business Specialist (MSBS) designation.
• MSBS Logo on our proposals, quotes, correspondence.
• Calling "quiet" clients to check up on things and see if they need anything.
• Picking up that box for warranty work at no charge.
• Passing along some of the NFR software and Swag that we receive from vendors to our clients.
• Removing all of the boxes and garbage associated with a delivery of product or products.
• Taking the time to make sure we haven't missed anything before leaving by checking in with our client contact and their users.
• Being there Monday morning after a weekend fresh SBS install or major upgrade to train on the new system or facilitate the transition to an upgraded system.

When a technician or technicians are on-site, it is very important that they leave the locations they visit at least in the same condition as they found it. Even better, they make sure the client locations are better organized and cleaner than when they first arrived.

This principle really comes home when we need to walk into a new client location where the previous I.T. shop's technicians left a total mess in the server closet and in and around the network.

These principles apply in virtually any industry professionals:

• Journeyman Mechanics
• Journeyman Plumbers
• Journeyman Electricians
• Rough, Framing, Finishing Carpenters
• Foundation Formers
• Etc...

One can tell a lot about the professional by the condition of their tools, their vehicle, and the condition of their client's products and projects after they finish working for that client.

The school of "Good Enough" just does not cut it here.

The Barn Identity is a previous blog post that delves deeper into personal professional presentation and self, employer, and client respect.

Philip Elder
MPECS Inc.
Microsoft Small Business Specialists

*All Mac on SBS posts are posted on our in-house iMac via the Safari Web browser.