My blog focus today, however motivated, is a look at business manners in the age of the modern internet which was merely spawned by his recent misguided perspective of "all" Virginians.
Most Virginians in my long travels have been held in the highest esteem by many for their well mannered social skills in the business world. Whether I’ve been on the winning or losing end of a project, I’ve mostly admired this trait where Virginian business folks can leave you with a sense of dignity even when you have lost the “deal”. They are generally always tough, but polite, have impeccable manners, and are well spoken. Governor Bob McDonnell appears to be an isolated exception to my perception in this specific case.
I submit, manners are still one of the great traits of successful businesses people. Even in a point and click world quality leaders want to connect with the human behind the keyboard. Some notable selected examples in my career that I will never forget:
- Williamsburg, Virginia and Gettysburg Pennsylvania merchants, per my reference to the Governor's recent remarks (He used these towns as examples to make his point), are really very business savvy. The Governor should now apologize to these modern merchants as he is not fully understanding why they are so successful. Both town’s represent two of the top destinations for tourism and buying of consumer goods in the world. They present traditional, powerful branding, marketing, merchandising, customer experience, and ebusiness as well as any. Both towns welcome all to their doorstep, it's about commerce and proudly making all visitors feel like very important guests.
- Most striking in these two towns is the open public display of manners that make you feel special where ever you come from or your background. Always a “please or thank you Sir or Madam”, doors opened for ladies, and proper but friendly table and server manners on display from 2 stars to 5 star restaurants. These merchants have successfully blended the past traditions with modern marketing, always remembering how appreciative they are of the buyers coming to their doorstep. They are marketing leaders in person, television, printed catalog, or over the internet.
- Suzie Ormond has the gift and respect of manners! At one time in my career I had fun being a guest presenter for the QVC television network. My first show was nerve racking as can be and much was new to me. I was following the Susie Ormond show, one of QVC’s top stars and shows. To this day I will always remember her simple kindness in reaching out her hand and offering to carry my boxes in from my car. Suzie was next up and under pressure to go on, yet she extended this incredible “human” offer. I mentioned I was impressed by her being a big star and so grounded; her response was “We are all in this together, I was just raised this way”. Needless to say she has my respect forever, and again makes my point of why manners are a distinguishable trait of highly successful people.
- Richard Chan owner of Morningside Investments (Former cancer M.D. in Boston, and one of the world’s wealthiest people) in Hong Kong understands the force of manners in the business world. In visiting his firm for expansion capital he met me at the Oriental hotel on HK island , but asked me to stand by a certain spot and he would come by, find me, and quickly leave to another location. Five minutes before our meeting he showed up and personally opened the doors for me as we walked to his office. During the meeting, he always stood up when someone entered and was the last to be seated. I surely appreciated such an important person picking me up but was respectful of his time and my relatively small request compared to his holdings.
- I, however, was very puzzled. When I openly asked and complimented him about this, He told me he does this every time he meets a new person to make them feel comfortable and give undivided attention. I was blown away by Richard's explanation that was now becoming familiar; “I was raised to have good manners by my parents”. I’ll never forget his lesson that day! This is what I now call a class act!
So, in the age of modern technology, my question to many of the young business people and entrepreneurs hitting the career street in the next few year is simply “How were you raised?” My sense is traditional good manners will be a great arrow to have in your quiver to differentiate you for your business competition in the growing high tech world. JMHO
Mr. Bucchioni,
ReplyDeleteAs a relatively new entrepreneur and business owner I have asked myself this question (see http://terriconraddesigns.typepad.com/terriconraddesigns/2009/09/28/) and am pleased to see you are too.
In order to move forward and continue to grow my business, I must tell myself I am not alone, and that it is these traditional good manners, and business practices, among other qualities and attributes, that do indeed bring success our way.
We may be among the few, then again I have never been one to be among the crowd, and as we teach our children to be leaders and to esteem such qualities they may be among even fewer in their generation, but they will stand strong and be above the norm, hopefully leading the way to a new way to conduct successful business.
Thank you for your post, and I want to suggest to readers, as we greet each day, let's take note from Paul when he took his time to write a thank you note to the Philippians, expressing his gratitude and appreciation for their support and gifts. He reminded them to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but encouraged them to be humble and to consider others, looking not only to one's own interests but also to others.
We must not let the light go out on virtues such as integrity, honor,self-control and good manners. Let us remember to not only take care of our own interests, but to be considerate of others. Let us bring consideration back in fashion - and remember that some things never grow old with the times.
Integrity, I believe, it is the essence of success in life and love and all things honorable. What do you believe?
Jack, if my clients are any indication, I would say that manners are more important than ever. I work for an agency in Bethesda, MD and we interview many candidates who are in their first few years out of school. Courtesy is required, and expecially good manners get you noticed.
ReplyDeleteA few years ago we had a search for some junior mechanical engineers. We had quite a few qualified candidates. The two that we placed were both fresh out of the military. I am sure their experience didn't hurt, but it was their manners that made my client smile! There is nothing like walking into a room and having a young candidate, who arrived early, immediately jump up, shake your hand and say, "Thank you (Sir/Ma'am) for interviewing me today! I appreciate it." In both cases this interview was followed up by a thank you note, not only to my client, but to me--the recruiter.
I am sure my client's clients will be delighted to work with these engineers.