It’s ironic that when someone tells you they will try and do something, they often mean the exact opposite. Commonly, it’s an indication of a lack of commitment, rather than a strong intention to commit.
For example, if you invite someone to attend a corporate event, you know when they respond with; ‘I’ll try and make it’, that there’s at least a 50% chance they will not attend. What they have really said is that they almost certainly won’t be there, but they want you to believe that they REALLY wanted to. They did try, after all.
The marketplace is watching
Your prospective clients don’t need another provider, who can’t be relied on to follow through. They are not crying out for people, who make vague or uncertain promises. However, what there is always a need for, and shortage of, is professionalism.
This means:
- If we say we are going to do something, we should not only do it, but do it as well as we possibly can.
- If we know we are not going to do something, we should say so – Not lie that we will make some half-assed attempt.
- If we have to tell someone we will try, then we should REALLY try. We should use all our expertise, resources and effort to make (whatever) happen. Let them know that when YOU say you will try, you really mean it.
I’m going to try and resist finishing this brief post with that famous Yoda quote from Star Wars, where he explains the Jedi view on the subject of trying:
Do or do not… There is no try. ~ Master Yoda
Well, I did try!
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Great point of not making announcements you’re not going to keep. I do it myself every now and then.
That reminds me of 2 software developers who have created (independetly) 2 software products that are very popular in the internet marketing niche.
They were great products, 6 or 7 years ago. They had an outstanding reputation in their market, and were recommended again and again when someone asked about products in their category.
Now both developers have been promising to update their products with more current features for 4, respectively 5, years (!) – without delivering.
That’s a long time. They keep promising again and again they’re going to deliver the great update – but they don’t.
I’m sure they’ve lost a lot of good will in the market, lost a good portion of their affiliate base, and will not so easy regain lost trust once they actually deliver their new software.
Just a real life example of what you wrote about in your post…
Thanks for sharing your experience, Ralf.
I have that saying on a post it attached to my computer screen, at home on my wardrobe and on my bathroom mirror.
Trying is not an option, you either do something or you don’t do it.
Great Post Jim
Steph
Glad you found it useful, Steph.
I find it very useful Jim, your post is packed with great information and I do agree on your statement “If we say we are going to do something, we should not only do it, but do it as well as us possibly can”. Thanks for sharing this post Jim.
Jim, I have to admit that I have been trying too much. I have made a decision now though to focus on a little less and ensure I do it properly, without “trying” to get to the things I really want to, but never do.
Thanks for the valuable share.