2013 Commitments: Follow Through

One of the biggest ways you can transform your life and business in 2013 is to follow through on the commitments you make. This will not only grow your business by leaps and bounds but establish you as a person of integrity and limit what you say yes to.

Let me give you a few examples.

A colleague says, “I have a great lead for you, someone who really needs what you’re offering. I’ll do an email introduction this week!”

You’re excited and grateful, make sure you have time to set up a getting acquainted call, and you wait. And wait. You even email your colleague a gentle reminder… but never get that introduction. It’s frustrating because in your mind something has been promised that was never fulfilled.

Following through will set you apart from the dozens of other entrepreneurs who say they’ll do something and then don’t. (By the way I’m nowhere near perfect with this but always striving to do better!)

Second iteration of this example! Let’s say you get that introduction and have the call. The lead seems like an ideal client for your business and so you agree to send info on your packages or availability. But never do. If you’re serious about taking on this client and don’t follow through by doing what you’ve promised, they have to be thinking that you wouldn’t follow through during your coaching time either.

Your reputation depends on staying in integrity and doing what you say you’re going to do, when you say you’re going to do it. Now, at times there are reasons why this isn’t possible. In fact, during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy I intentionally did not send information requested to clients and leads who were without power, knowing that it would be buried in their email. But I did let them know that the content or information was ready and set up times to touch base after the storm.

You can’t blame a lack of follow up on external circumstances. On occasion it’s okay to say ‘we had a small house fire’ or ‘sorry the dog had puppies and that distracted me yesterday afternoon’ but if you’re constantly giving excuses for your inability to follow through, you’ll get a reputation as a flake.

So how to do you ensure better follow through with your commitments.

#1 Stop Making So Many Commitments

If you’re not really going to reach out and connect those colleagues, don’t make the offer; and if you can’t bring snacks to the networking event, don’t say you will. It all begins with being intentional about what you say and promise.

It may be harder in the moment to say “I’m not available” or simply “good luck with that” without offering to help, but it will save you so much guilt later on.

#2 Don’t Promise Unrealistic Guidelines

In the event you really do intend on following through and you’re excited to help, don’t set yourself up for failure with an unrealistic guideline.

When someone says ‘oh next week is fine!’ don’t insist on getting it to them tomorrow. Give yourself realistic deadlines as well as request them when times are tight. If someone needs a guest blog post from me and wants it in 30 minutes or never, I’m going to decline. Know yourself and your schedule.

#3 Have Follow Up Systems so You Can Remember Your Promises

Many times when I end up forgetting to send content or support to a colleague, it’s simply because my mind is overloaded with too many things. Something scribbled on a post it note is way too likely to get lost on my desk so I use the free software Asana to track my to dos.

No matter what system you choose, be sure to review it frequently. I do this in my email folders for appointments to schedule, media responses to send, even topics to write about.

Making the commitment to follow through on your promises will transform your business in 2013. If you want to establish a solid reputation, work in integrity and make commitments you can keep, then this has to be a part of your 2013 business systems. For the rest of the month try wrapping up those loose ends and old commitments, so you can start with a fresh slate.