The article "Free Agents -- Feedback is Important If You Want Success and Happy Clients" is about entrepreneurialism, it was written by Chris King.
Even if we don’t always want to hear it, feedback can strengthen our busniesses. In that article I discuss the value of feedback, how to get it and act on it, and when to give it.I learned the value of feedback while working in the restaruant business. I started as a server at a Marriott Hotel where we were asked to give our guests evaluation cards to fill out. At first I hated doing this, even though guests were thanking and praising my service along with leaving hefty tips.
Then we had a contest to reward the person who truned in the most cards (which I won, by the way).The feedback was mostly laudatory, but I also picked up suggestions on how to be even better.
And, if a guest was unhappy about something besides my service, the hotel benefited by knowing.
When I switched to a different restaurant, I leanred even more about the value of feedback.
We had "shoppers" who filled out a questionanire from the moment they got out of their vehicle. It was eye-opening. You see, if no one is ever asked for feedback, most will not complain, they will just leave, never to return.Other human being to ask for feedback are those who are in the same or similar business as we are. The Small Business Assoication has an organization called S.C.O.R.E. which consists of a group of volunteer, retired business human being who will answer questions and share their past experience and expertise with you.
It is also a good idea to ask for a short interview with somebody who is doing what you do, or want to do, and pick their barin -- even better, treat them to lunch or breakfast.
My one caveat is not to wsate their time (see the following).Once we get that valuable feedback, it is important to take action. If we just get feedback that either makes us guess wonderful or lacking and react positively or negatively without acting on it, then what was the point? Recently, I was part of a group who were asked by a young woman preparing to give a seminar at a regional conference to preview her presentation. We were to be "tough" with our comments and tips.It was a dry and technical topic and she was OK but not relaly exciting. Trusting and knowing her and her sincerity, we gave her many suggestions on what worked and what did not. Two weeks later, I witnessed the udpated presentation at another dating. She had taken all our suggestions, used them and even more. Her presentation was professional, interesting and exctiing. I give her a lot of credit for being wililng to listen and act. We all gained from the experience! What about giving feedback?
Oftentimes, I am asked for feebdack.
First, I make sure that the person asking truly wants helpufl feedback. There are who ask for it, but will quickly becmoe defensive if you advise any changes.
Read how they are reacting -- if they would like for polite praise, it is OK to tell them the good.Then there is those who ask for suggestions on how to improve, take up lots of your time and effort and then never follow through with any action. I see that often in the fitness calsses I teach.
I am always blissful to stay after class to discuss nutrition and/or how to get started with a fitness plan. As time goes on I see them gaining rather than losing fat and working out less and less and finally disappearing (maybe returning a year after and asking the same old questions).So, be cautious when asked for feedback. Not everyone really wants it.Chris King is an entrepreneur, professional speaker, storyteller, writer, website creator / designer, free agent, and fitness instructor. Sign up for her eclectic E-newsletter, Portfolio Potpourri, at http://www.Freelanceliving.Com You will find her information-packed E-book How to Leave Your Audiences Begging for MORE! at http://www.OutrageouslyPowerfulPresenter.Com and her businses website at http://www.CreativeKeys.Biz
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