Have you ever booked a meeting with someone and then had the nerve to be 20 minutes late or even worse, “no-show” them? What about having it happen to you? Bet you were royally cheesed.

It’s always been a pet peeve of mine when people (including me) are late. Now I’m not perfect (as I fly into a meeting at mach 5 with my hair on fire) but it’s a sign of respect to be on time. In fact, it’s scheduled into my calendar –  a few extra minutes BEFORE the event starts – so that I’m  early (or just on time!) to ALL my meetings.

Yes life happens.

There have been times that I’m running a bit behind schedule due to traffic, an earlier meeting running late, a family mini-crisis ….  While it doesn’t happen often, when it does, I always notify the person I’m meeting with or the organizer of the event. Why? Because it’s what I’d want them to do for me.

Maybe it’s because I’m a mom and us moms have a built-in worry sensor so if we’re supposed to meet and you don’t show up on time, we just might worry that you’re in a horrendous car accident, lost a limb or are in an emergency room some where when in fact you are having that extra half cup of coffee or can’t decide what shoes to wear.

As a Business Coach and Consultant, I have a really nifty opportunity for people to meet with me before we choose to work together – it’s called a complementary consultation.  Most consultants have this option.

Have you ever booked one with someone? Were you on time? Or did you even remember that you were to meet with someone for your complimentary consultation? Common courtesy still goes a long way. A phone call, text, or email to say you’re running late or to let someone know that you’ve changed your mind is not too hard to do. Just think WWCD?

What about blowing off a meeting? Have you ever “no-showed” someone – even if it was by accident? How did you feel?

I know how I felt when you didn’t show.

Here’s the thing …

Complimentary does not equal no investment, ‘no cost’.

When you don’t show up, it still uses that person’s time as they had set aside that time to meet with you.

Everyone is working hard to earn their way in business. When someone offers to spend some time with us, we need to do all we can to meet with them, even if it is a complimentary session. Time is valuable and it is imperative to respect other people’s time as well as our own.

So the next time you are late for a meeting or you’ve changed your mind about a complimentary consultation, remember that courtesy goes a long way and is so easy to have.

Always be on time, honour your appointments.

Now Go Get  Connected!

An award-winning Leader, Entrepreneur and Business Development Consultant, Cathy shows entrepreneurs how to let go of limiting beliefs and “Stand Up, Stand Out & Step Forward” to have the business success they dream of. Cathy is recognized across Canada for her expertise on “All Things Small Biz”. Named one of the Top Ten Mentors in Canada, Women of Worth Leader of the Year, the Founder of The Connected Woman Association, Author of “Are You a Collector or a Connector?”; “I’m on the Phone!”; the internationally known “Daily Espressos- Your Read it and Delete it Kickstart to Your Day” and is a networking maven. (wow!)

Work with me. 
Everyone is different and so is their business. We can put together a plan with action items to help you Stand UP, Stand OUT and Step FORWARD. Shoot me a msg or give me a call. I’m listening.