How would you react to your mail carrier knocking on your door to introduce himself and to discuss ways that he could better serve you? If you’re like Mark Sanborn of Denver, Colorado, you would be pleasantly surprised, but perhaps a little suspect. Let’s face it, when was the last time someone really went out of their way to better serve you?
In his book, The Fred Factor, Sanborn shares the real life story of Postman Fred Shea and how he brings passion to what others may view as a monotonous job. The real power of the story lies in how a regular postman delivering mail shows genuine interest in his customers and is willing to do little acts that put him in a class by himself. It’s not that Fred is faster or stronger or has a better route that makes him great. It’s the fact that he cares about the people he serves, because it is the right thing to do.
Please note that Fred does not get greater rewards or recognition for a job well done from his boss. His motives are pure. He treats others like he would like to be treated. He treats others like friends. He simply wants to touch the lives of the people on his route in a positive way. And he’s been doing it for over 30 years!
So are you a Fred? Are you touching people each and every day in a special way? Are you going beyond ordinary to extraordinary? The truth is that it doesn’t take extraordinary effort to be extraordinary. It just takes a little extra effort. It takes looking out for others without any expectations of reciprocation.
The day after I read The Fred Factor, my antenna was up for opportunities to be more Fred-like. I was driving to the grocery store. There was a car in front of me going unbearably slow in the passing lane. As I caught myself starting to feel inpatient, I took a closer look. It was a little old lady behind the wheel. I calmed down and told myself, it was ok. It would simply take me an extra minute to get to where I was going. An interesting thing happened to me at that moment. By not overreacting to a slight inconvenience, I was calmer and happier.
After I arrived at the grocery store, I found myself standing before shelves of pickle jars. I was in need of some dills for a cookout. I noticed that the larger jar of Vlasics were on sale, so they were actually less expensive than the next smaller size. A woman in a hurry was reaching past me for the smaller jar. I pointed out that the larger size was on sale for less. She seemed appreciative as she reached for the larger jar. Normally, I wouldn’t interfere with someone’s pickle selection; I just thought she would want to know that she could get a better buy with another selection of the same brand. Again, I felt better for having made the effort.
These two incidents did not change anyone’s life. They did, however, reconfirm to me that by taking a few extra moments every day, I could behave differently. And by behaving differently, I could have a positive impact on others, as well as myself. In other words, I could be a better person and not have to work too hard at it. It was actually fun and easy.
If this worked so well with strangers, how would it play out for loved ones, friends, coworkers and customers? The possibilities seem limitless. And they are. How can you positively impact others by showing that you care? What extra effort can you make on someone else’s behalf?
I decided as part of my sales strategy, I would reach out and touch at least one prospect or client every day in a special way. It may just be to see how they are doing or to pass along information or a referral. But it will be a conscious decision and effort on my part to connect as a friend with no expectations in return.
I started keeping a daily log, so that I could track my efforts. I’ve already seen positive results with prospects and past clients. More important, I feel better about my relationships.
Would your relationships strengthen by doing the same? What if you were to do this every day for the next year? You would touch at least five clients a week, 20 clients a month and 250 clients a year in a deeper and more personal way. What impact would that have on you? On them? Take the extra effort to be a true resource for your clients. You may be surprised at the results of your simple acts.
Ordinary To Extraordinary Is Easier Than You Think - To learn more about this author, visit Will Turner's Website.
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