When you run your own business, there’s a lot more to consider beyond just the skills and services that you offer. Not only did I have to pick up all the crappy parts about business (i.e., doing the taxes, the record keeping, the billing, etc.), I also had to refine my own skills at doing things like speaking, public relations, marketing, sales, etc.
Obviously if I don’t make a sale. I have no projects to work on right? No worky = no money = wife give stink look. (I make her sound like such the slave driver huh? Well, she’s a pretty slave driver)
Anyway, let me get to the point. I have a client, turned friend, Pam Chambers who’s a great presentation coach in Hawaii. She unintentionally makes me very self conscious sometimes when I address her because I know I have to be in my best behaviour when I’m communicating with her. She’s a communication coach….yikes I better speak perfect right?
One time, she gave me this great free tip (I hope she doesn’t mind I pass this tip out to you folks) — I finished a call to her after she asked me to do something and I responded, “No problem”
BUZZZZ! She told me, “You know Raph, you never say “no problem” because two negatives never makes a positive.” So in other words, “No” is a negative word. And “Problem” is a negative word, so when the listener hears that, it isn’t necessarily percieved as a positive response. Better to say things like, “I’m happy to help” for instance.
She told me now that I know, I’m going to be catching myself saying that all the time.
AND I DO!! Darnit, once in a while now I say “No problem” to people and after each time I hear the little BUZZ in my head and a tiny Pam Chambers voice scolds me! Thanks Pam!
I think I have enough voices in my head.
LoweStudio Inc was founded by me, Raphael Lowe, a Honolulu based illustrator and web designer. I presently design and manage a few dozen commercial websites, but my main focus these days is acting as the head developer for Kapiolani Community College and teaching
Thanks for mentioning my little lesson! Actually, my all-time favorite response is “My pleasure.” When people say, “My pleasure,” it makes others feel all warm and cozy inside.