Empowered to make it right.

Empowered to make it right. I'm sure you've had the experience in the last year or so with someone who went out of their way to make things right because they had been told they could. Maybe it was a retail clerk, or a customer service rep on the phone. They didn't pass the buck and say, "I can't, it's out of my hands," or "Sorry, it's out of warranty," or even, "The computer won't let me."

Instead, they knew how to make what needed to happen, happen . . . for you, the customer. It not only made you feel good, but much more likely to come again.

That concept applies to both employees and external customers. Most employees/customers appreciate an "eagerness to help," and a feeling that "he listened to my concerns." The use of these skills is what elevates you and your organization above the competition in retaining good employees as well as attracting new customers.

We can help you spread the word. Please click on this link to preview some of our customer service videos as well as other Employee Relations videos. Preview Videos

Remember to communicate. People appreciate it.

Have a great day.

Sincerely,

Matt French
First Cut Communications, LLC

AGTS, Inc.
301 West Broome Street
Suite 100
LaGrange, GA 30240
706-882-5581

The Golden Rule

During a trip to Chic fil A, my three-year-old daughter was given a book about The Golden Rule. When she asked me to read it to her, I could tell she understood the message. And, I kept thinking about it, as well. It's a rule that's clear, positive and memorable. That's excellent communication.

As you know, I'm a great believer in communicating (if I didn't, I'm in the wrong business). For years I have been talking about how positive communication pays for itself ten fold, but I had not thought of excellent communication being an application of The Golden Rule. Nonetheless, it is.

My daughter's book on the best rule yardstick for our lives reminded me that we need to communicate to people the way we want to be communicated to. It also reminded me that we like to be in the know. So, are you sharing your knowledge with others?

In everything, do unto others as you would want them to do unto you. Communicate to people--people appreciate it.

Have a great day.

Sincerely,

Matt French
First Cut Communications, LLC
AGTS, Inc.
301 West Broome Street
Suite 100
LaGrange, GA 30240
706-882-5581

March 2010 First Cut Communications, LLC buys Paul French & Partners

First Cut Communications would like to announce that it has purchased the assets of Paul French & Partners, Inc. We will continue to offer excellent corporate communications pieces including sales meetings, product launches, plant tours, training, employee benefits, informational meetings, and labor relations videos.

Our programs continue to be well received by the intended audience because we know how to lower the curtain of disbelief and get the viewers to listen to the message -- no matter what it is.

First Cut Communications stands ready to help you communicate to your employees, to help motivate and build the trust necessary to avoid potential pitfalls that could be lurking around the next corner.

So, as always, communicate to people--people appreciate it.

Have a great day.

Sincerely,

Matt French
First Cut Communications, LLC

P.S. Check out our website @ www.firstcutcommunications.com

Undercover Boss

I don't know about you, but I'm kind of glad cold and wintry February is the shortest month. Of course, there is the entertainment of the Super Bowl, probably the ultimate yearly U.S. event in mass communications ever devised. I was watching the game on Sunday, and then caught the beginning of a new show that came on immediately after the trophy presentation.

The name of the show was Undercover Boss, and I found it to be an interesting twist on reality TV. The premise is a CEO spends a day or two doing different jobs within his company. For example, Sunday's show had the head of Waste Management doing tasks like riding on a garbage truck, emptying trash, and sorting recycled materials. It's all done incognito until the end when his identity is revealed to amazed employees who have been invited into the boss' office.

If the first show is any indication, bosses gain a new perspective on what rank and file employees do to directly make money for the company. It certainly occurred to me that if more upper management people experienced the day-to-day work that makes a company tick, it's very possible a lot of problems, like unions, could be avoided.

If you have a moment next Sunday, check out the show (8:00 pm, CBS). You might find it interesting. And if you do watch it, send me an email. I would enjoy reading your comments.

Remember to communicate. People appreciate it.


Sincerely,

Matt French
First Cut Communications, LLC

How do you motivate your people in a bad economy? It's not easy. But when the economy is still sputtering, it's even more important to have your team committed to the company than any other time. Your team will help you survive. But you have to communicate with them and let them know exactly what the goals of your organization are. A few simple steps to help accomplish that:

1) Communicate to your team about what's going on in your organization. Where is the company heading? Is it making progress towards its goal or not? Why?

2) Respect each person in your organization for his/her contributions to the company. If you trust them and they trust you, chances are they'll be more willing to go the extra step for you when you really need it.
3)
Listen to the team. They are likely telling you everything you need to know (and more) about how to save money. That includes changes they can live with to help save the company money. Engage them in the process of making your company stronger both financially and as a better place to work.
4)
Give your team realistic expectations about the future and the company. If you're communicating the truth to them on a regular basis, when it comes time to make some of those hard choices, they won't be able to say they didn't know they were coming or misunderstand why.

5) Understand what motivates your team. Then, use it, so they will continue to flourish even in this uncertainty.