Absolutely a work in progress!

Weekly throughout the next year, I thought it would be fun to share some lessons I have learned at the McCoy Group. I work as the director of marketing at the McCoy Group, and I am excited to share some lessons that might help you!

Recently, I asked a leader in our Stoops Freightliner-Western Star semi-truck dealership if he would pass along some advice to myself and a new teammate. He said, “be easy to work with.”

?WOW! His answer really impacted me in so many ways. First, it was very simple, concise, and powerful. The words were deep and caused me to reflect. As a marketing professional and service provider, I have always thought that I have been easy to work with. Being enthusiastic and passionate about marketing and servicing customers is what it is all about—right?

Well, I have learned it should be deeper than that. Being easy to work with means so much more. Here is my own personal interpretation and what I have learned about it:

1.???? Actively listen: It is always a great idea to actively listen (put away your phone and all distractions) and most importantly pay attention and remember the details as best you can!

2.???? Communicate: Have your plan of attack and talk with your customer about how you are going to communicate, and make sure they are good with the plan. Give them an opportunity to shape it and agree on the approach.

3.???? Be on time: Being on time is so important. It could be a meeting, deadline, or a phone call. If you are on time, your customer will LOVE it.?

4.???? Focus on quality: In marketing, we ship our ideas and product daily. Our name and thumbprint are on the line. Understand that nothing is perfect, but your quality and reputation are always in your control.

5.???? Deliver the results and ask for feedback: These two concepts will work better together but can be difficult. Asking for feedback can be a challenge. What if you worked so hard on the project and felt awesome about it and the customer didn’t feel the same way? One of my favorite quotes to share with you on this topic is: “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.”—Bill Gates.

Being “easy to work with” is always a work in progress. For me, I think it comes down to these five points, and pursuing consistency with them. I hope this helps you and thank you for reading. I have thanked my fellow teammate who shared this phrase and caused me to think more deeply about how to be better. If you want to learn more about our Stoops Freightliner - Western Star business unit, visit our website: stoops.com

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