Common Sense Ideas for Becoming the Career Star You Are Meant to Be

Today is Tuesday, so this post is on positive personal impact.

In this post, I want to focus on the importance of being punctual.  "Nothing inspires confidence in a business man sooner than punctuality, nor is there any habit which sooner saps his reputation than that of being always behind time." (W. Mathews)

Showing up on time indicates your respect for other people.  Punctuality is a great way to make a positive personal impact.  Being late – to meetings, or worse yet missing deadlines – hurts your image.

Alicia Smith (AliciaSmith.com) says punctuality says a lot about you.

1. You care. Showing up and on time is one of the best ways to show someone that you care about them.
2. You respect others. Arriving on time shows that you respect others. Respect is the foundation for creating great long-term relationships.
3. You are professional.  Being on time is a fundamental tool for anyone who wants to be perceived as being the very best.
4. You are confident. When you show up on time, it’s a sign that you are confident to take on whatever might lay before you. Tardiness can imply that you aren’t confident, or that you are hesitating to deal with a person or situation. 
5. You are open to others. Punctuality says, “I’m ready” -- to be involved with whatever is set before you. People who aren’t ready often show up late or not at all.
6. You have an edge. Being punctual gives you an edge in business. The early bird truly does get the worm.  Timing is everything.  Being punctual is great; being early is even better!
7. You’re in control. People choose to do business with those they like, know, and trust.  They like doing business with people who are in control. If you always arrive early or on time, you give the impression that you are in control and manage things well.
8. You have a standard for excellence. Punctuality is but one standard of excellence. It implies that you are in control of your life and shows that you respect yourself and others.
9. You keep things in flow. Other people are affected by what you do and don’t do. If you don’t show up or deliver as promised, you adversely affect others. By showing up on time, you allow other people to get things done on time as well. Everybody wins.

Your habits are your brand. Brands take time to build.  When you become known as someone who is punctual, you will enhance your brand.  The common sense point here -- be punctual.  You’ll enhance your brand and create a positive personal impact.

That’s it for today.  Thanks for reading.  Log on to my website www.BudBilanich.com for more common sense.  Check out my other blog: www.CommonSenseGuy.com for common sense advice on leading people and running a small business.

I’ll see you around the web, and at Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

Bud

PS: Speaking of Alex’s Lemonade Stand – my fundraising page is still open.  Please go to www.FirstGiving.com/TheCommonSenseGuy to read Alex’s inspiring story and to donate if you can.