This is the time of year in my religious culture that I ask people for forgiveness. It’s part of the way that I get a fresh start in the year. Think if it as one big annual confessional. I start by apologizing to the people you may have wronged during the year knowingly or unknowingly.

But I believe that we also have atoning to do in business so we can do better this year.

 Do any of these times sound familiar?

  • For the times that we did not focus 100% to our paying customer.
  • For the times that we were distracted by answering email while talking on the phone with a business contact.
  • For the times that we did not return a phone call or email promptly to someone that expected it.
  • For the times we got greedy in making a “excessive” profit.
  • For the times we hid behind lawyers when we should have called the other party and worked out a compromise.
  • For the times we did not pursue our passion and did it “because we had to”.
  • For the times we flattered a prospect only so they would buy from us.

They sound familiar to me? Any others you would add?