In this Edition
1. What Does It Take: The Little Things Do Matter
2. Inspirational Quotes
3. Recommended Reading
What Does It Take: The Little Things Do Matter
Today, in tough economic times around the world, everybody is looking for an edge to stay ahead of the crowd. People are looking for new creative and exciting stuff to blow their competition away. The old saying “necessity is the mother of invention” applies, as organizations look to re-invent the wheel, think outside of the box, and find that competitive edge.
My take on it is that there is nothing wrong with this train of thought and I am all for being creative and forward thinking, however, rather than simply thinking new and outside of the box and re-inventing the wheel, you first need to think inside the box and get really, really good at what you are already doing. Instead of doing the big stuff, think basics – the little things, those intangibles you can’t buy that make people feel special, important and great.
JC Penney, the legendary US store owner said: “It’s the value you are not obliged to give that your customers value the most.”
Things to think about that cost so little: A smile, a sincere and genuine compliment, a handwritten note, a little gift, going the extra mile for them
Do the little things well and do them consistently well. For example, in business, write your customers a handwritten thank you note for doing business with you instead of sending them an impersonal email, or worse still, nothing. Touch base with your valued customers, with whom you have, or want to have, a deeper relationship, either by phone, note or even email from time to time. This should have nothing to do with business, just checking in to see how they are doing. People will appreciate this. (A special note to my subscribers in the investment, financial and banking professions: your clients want to hear from you NOW! in the bad times, not just in the good….they will remember who called and cared about them.)
The same principle applies in your personal life as well. Call someone today and tell them what they mean to you. Call a loved one and tell them you love them. Send a note to 3 people who have helped you and tell them what a difference they have made to you and how much you feel blessed having them in your life.
I am often reminded of the question: “If you only had an hour to live, who would you phone? What would you say?” Don’t wait until it is too late.
Observing many successful people, organizations and how they are run, I have noticed the little things, the things we take for granted, do mean a lot, and people do remember and appreciate them. As a speaker, it does not take a lot to text or call my client to let them know I have arrived at the destination in advance rather than leaving them to be concerned about the impact of a delayed flight on their important event. A quick word to say that I have arrived safely and am looking forward to speaking at their event in the morning or afternoon… It sounds so simple and basic, but you would not believe how many times clients tell me, “Wow! Thank you for doing that.”
The little things, the attention to detail, the intangibles do mean a lot to people. These are the little things that make you stand out from the crowd…..and they definitely do matter.
Ask yourself: In what areas of your own personal and professional life can you do those little things that make you stand out? How can you show that you really care.
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES
“The second you think that you’ve arrived, someone passes you. You have to always be in pursuit”
Joe Torre
Former New Yank Yankees Baseball World Series Manager and present manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers
RECOMMENDED READING
Success Magazine
I am, for the second time, going recommend a magazine and also the same magazine. Success magazine has been around a long time, although it went out of business for a time several years ago. When it came back it was not up to standard in my opinion. This all changed last year when it was given a new lease of life under new ownership. If there is a better read around that focuses on business success and personal success as well, I haven’t seen it yet. Success Magazine is well laid out, a joy to read, it contains great articles by world experts on all areas of success, and contains a bonus CD on each issue. Make the investment today, its not expensive and well, well worth it. Check it out at www.succcess.com.
A Word of Caution: If you make the investment, that is great, however that is only the first step. The next step it setting aside quality time to read the articles. I would suggest going back and highlighting the best ideas and gems you find. Listen to the CD and take notes. Finally, file each copy where you can easily access them, as I am convinced you will want to keep going back to them.
