Image is Everything!

by Marc Martin-ez, Project Manager

Projecting a positive image is a very important tool for success in any company. For ActioNet, Inc., we also believe it is a very important tool in helping our clients succeed. Image is so important, in fact, we train every employee to:

• Set and manage expectations.
• Maintain good meeting practices (agendas, minutes, action items, etc.).
• Practice good communication (speak-up, listen, ask questions, be aware of body language, focus on appropriate discussion topics).
• Have a good attitude (“Can do approach” and a “Constructive Approach”).
• Look the Part! (Clean professional appearance appropriate for the position).

The above items might seem obvious to many of us, but many young IT workers come fresh from college with little real-world experience. A sense of casualness overtook much of the industry in the 90s. Today, we believe that teaching and reinforcing ActioNet’s policies is the key to maintaining the best image and service for ActioNet, our clients, and our teaming partners. We know that when we work in or visit your site, our image is your image. It is something that helps ActioNet stand out and keep high customer satisfaction levels.

In a competitive environment, where contracts are being re-competed every few years, a positive image and great history of service is essential for ActioNet to acquire new business and maintain current contracts.

Art Italo states in an article called “The Seven C’s of Good Service,” that image is much more important than any other single factor in the client-contractor relationship. With all things being equal, a client will respond more favorably to a contractor (or contracting company) with a personal touch and a high level of decorum at the work place. It is this decorum that will put one individual or company ahead of another in a competitive environment.

Five (5) of Italo’s seven (7) C’s are:

• Communication
• Courtesy
• Cooperation
• Commitment
• Caring

It is important to note that the attributes above are image or perception-oriented. They do not deal with a technical or management process or one snippet of code. They do deal with how a person interacts with and is viewed by coworkers and clients.

Being a good technician, manager, or operator is more than just being technically capable (although very important!). Our key to success at your work site is our commitment to delivering excellent service with the best image possible. We aim for a level of service that places our employees at the top of their profession and an image that will stand out in a client’s memory. Remember, image is everything!