A Few Tips on Working Well with Others

First of all, I missed posting new entries on my blog for the past few weeks because, honestly, I've been very busy working, which is a good thing. I've taken on some new writing assignments lately and this has become a top priority. I plan to return to posting new entries on a weekly basis starting today.

You probably already know what I do. I provide gags for syndicated and non-syndicated gag cartoons. I see this as providing a service to my customers. I spend lots of time getting new customers and then keeping those customers happy. I guess working in print advertising sales for many years has given me this mindset.

Here are a few things I've learned over the years about getting and keeping customers:

1. ALWAYS TRY TO ACT LIKE A PROFESSIONAL. Be professional in how you approach new customers and how you deal with them when you have their business. If you're interested in developing new business for yourself, your website and your profiles on LinkedIn or Facebook should also highlight what you do, always in a professional manner.

2. WHEN YOU PROMISE TO DO SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE, DO IT. And if you can't, tell them why the work will be delayed or why you can't handle the assignment at all. Be honest. Don't make a lot of excuses.

3. WHEN SOMEONE PAYS YOU FOR WORK YOU PROVIDED, THANK THEM. Let them know you appreciate their business.

4. ALWAYS TRY TO BE POSITIVE WHEN DEALING WITH CUSTOMERS. Don't speak negatively of anyone, especially on the internet.

5. FOCUS ON WHAT YOU WANT THE OUTCOME TO BE. Always be thinking of what the goal is (more sales together, usually).

6. DO MORE THAN WHAT IS REQUIRED. If some asks you to send them 10 to 20 gags, send them 25 good ones. Let that person know that you're reliable and are willing to give more.

7. WHEN ONE OF YOUR CUSTOMERS HAS A BIG SALE, CONGRATULATE THEM.  When the cartoonists I work with have a big sale to a national publication, even if I'm not the one who provided the gag, I try to send an email of congratulations. When you make a big sale people will congratulate you as well.

These are just a few things I've learned over the years. If you have any questions or comments, shoot me an email at: gagsbyhelene@gmail.com.