I was waiting with my kids at the bus stop the other day and the bus was late. I hesitated to call the bus company because they always lie to me and tell me the bus will be there any minute. I broke down and gave the bus company a call and sure enough, I was told the bus would be pulling up in three minutes.
Fifteen minutes later, the bus finally came. I was totally pissed that I was lied to once again. The bus was late and my kids were going to be tardy, but stuff happens. I was mad that I was lied to again. The dispatcher could have said the bus would be there in 15 (or even 20) and it would have been better. I would be upset that the bus was late, but not have to also be pissed that the dispatcher lied to me.
Here’s the Lesson
Telling clients what they want to hear is only a good idea if it’s true. Don’t sell me a drug that is not effective. Don’t promise me flat abs and unlimited wealth and leave me with a fat gut and an empty wallet.
Bite the bullet and be up front with your clients. What people want to hear is the truth and not empty promises.
Over-promising and under-delivering is a road map to failure. If website needs 30 hours to design, I won’t promise it will be done in 10 hours. Don’t over-promise or your company will be over.
