I made a mistake today.

Even though everyone makes mistakes, those are still bitter words to say. Today's mistake is going to cost me a little money, too, because I need to make it right to my client.

I suppose the temptation would be to make my vendor eat the loss. And to try to keep my loyalty, they probably would. But it wasn't their fault. They did exactly what I told them to do.

Satisfying my client by mistreating my vendor doesn't really make anything right anyway.

I made the mistake. I miscalculated. And I alerted my client to the mistake before they would even have been aware. When I alerted them, I took the blame and also proposed a solution. They're not angry. They're not even frustrated. They don't want me to take a hit for them. (I love my clients.)

I hate making mistakes. I learn from them, but I prefer to learn from other people's mistakes while keeping my own to a minimum!

Did you make a mistake today? I hope not. I hope you go on a long streak of mistake-free business! Although I goofed up today, I'm pleased to say I'm not doubling the mistake by running from it or hiding it. If you goofed up today, make sure you do the same.

Labels: customer service, management, marketing