Doing The Right Thing By Others

Saying we are going to do something is far easier to vocalise than it is to deliver. We all need to see promises kept.

Words should always be backed up by action if you want to maintain or build an honest reputation.

The causes, initiatives and approaches that we believe in, both on a professional and personal level, the promises made, we need to show something tangible, that also feels personal.

It’s a well-known mantra that the “less is more” approach is becoming more prevalent, and successful in business. Instead of new businesses taking shape that want to be seen as fully featured or full service, the ones achieving growth and success can be those that perform one function extremely well. Stick to a promise, keep that promise.

It has led me to think about my own commitments to initiatives inside or outside of the business. To keep my goals small and achievable. To build a track record of executing successfully, so that over time, trust is built.

We are not the size of a company that can please every customer or inquiry, all of the time. We can say no, we can decide that we don’t want to work with a prospective client, we don’t want to add revenue for the sake of it.

This gives us the opportunity to overpromise and overdeliver at times. That is ok, as we are in control of our own destiny. It also does have to be right for the staff and the business too.

Let me share a personal project I have started, and others are joining in, The Dorset Fizz Week (June 20–26, #dorsetfizzweek). It follows a very simple premise, me opening bottles of Dorset sparkling wine (which there are more than you think), and sharing the fun on social media.

I love where I live and always tag and share on social media when it comes to local sights, producers and events. There are great local producers here, some of which interact well online but I didn’t see any collective working or promotion, which is more pronounced with vineyards in Hampshire.

I thought ‘what the heck.’ If nothing else, I will be having fun with friends, but focus on the job in hand. If it raises awareness of Dorset producers and other people join in, and ask their own wine shop to stock a bottle or two, then that achieves an outcome. If it acts as a catalyst for the producers to create their own festival together next year, then that would be amazing and the subliminal goal.

I have learned that personal communication supports the long game. I have been to several vineyards to buy wine and told them what I was planning. They seemed pleased and the follow-on interest from my tagged social posts adds to them seeing it wasn’t just a quick blag for a sample.

Ultimately who am I doing this for? Is it me, my friends, the vineyards, local businesses, the county’s economy? The truth is, it’s all of them. Fun is the main goal and if it adds to my personal and business visibility, that’s good too.

When we make promises it means we are committed to something. It leads to trust, it can lead to stronger relationships. Let’s find out how we can action and keep the promises we step forward with?

For now, why not follow the #dorsetfizzweek on Twitter and Instagram for more information on how you can join in.

(Click for : Video of the bottles we will be tasting on the week )

Will be opening:

• Furleigh Estate
• D’Uberville Vineyard
• English Oak Vineyard
• Breezy Ridge Vineyard
• Langham Wine Estate
• Melbury Vale Winery
• Little Waddon Vineyard
• Bride Valley Vineyard