Working within a University after 30 years of self employment is really quite an eye opener! This is now a fast changing world for all and to succeed it is essential to know how to ‘play the game.’ I am not talking out the political game but the ‘expectation game.’
Working in any sector there are the expectations and the rules about ‘how it works here.’ The problem arises when you engage with people in new sectors with no experience of them. Usually the expectation is for the rules to be the same as in your sector. Therein lies the problem because they are not!
This lack of understanding of these unspoken rules is vividly highlighted by some students and graduates setting up in business or freelancing. So here are a list of the unspoken rules to help match the mindset of the business market…..
1. Dress smartly and even suit up for business meetings and networking event – it may sound patronising but you would not believe the numbers of people who
do not know this rule.
do not know this rule.
2. Always return a phone call or email within 24 to 48 hours even if it’s to say will be in touch soon. You will not build business relationships by being
unresponsive and being busy it not accepted as an excuse in the business market – everyone is busy!
unresponsive and being busy it not accepted as an excuse in the business market – everyone is busy!
3. You will be judged on your actions (and in-actions) not by your qualifications. So make sure your actions are positive, timely and considerate ones.
4. When you make an appointment make sure you turn up for it! FTAs (Failure to Attends) are not accepted in the business world, especially repetitive ones. You
will lose your credibility and the potential to do business.
will lose your credibility and the potential to do business.
5. Always consider that the other person is busy so don’t expect them to fall into your free schedule.
6. Don’t hide behind a computer and think that you do not need to communicate with others. Business is all about communication and relationships even an
online business!
online business!
7. The set of skills you need to be successful in business are very different from those you need to get a degree. Both are very valid and needed so become an avid
learner again and learn the enterprise skills you need for a career in self-employment.
learner again and learn the enterprise skills you need for a career in self-employment.
Resource: http://www.ideachampions.com/weblogs/archives/2012/06/post_96.shtml
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