Earlier this month, I emailed a freelance graphic designer the following message: “I have an idea for a design project that I can articulate but not design. Any chance you’re available for 10 min. to discuss? I’m also around next week. Thanks.” And received this reply: “Next week would be
In 1997 I heard Dr. Chip Bell speak on the topic of customer service. My most vivid memory from his talk was a question he posed to 70 members of our management team: “How many of you,” he asked, “have worked here for 90 days or more?” Surveying the room
Years ago, while attending a 7 Habits of Highly Effective People seminar in New York City, I listened as our facilitator, Dr. Larry Kokkelenberg, stated that the word “no” is not a negative word. The word “no,” he explained, is actually a positive word. It’s an empowering word—a liberating word.
Have you ever heard someone in a committed relationship say that he or she no longer loves the other person? When questioned, he might say, “I’ve tried. Really I have. But the love just isn’t there.” It’s no wonder the love isn’t there—because love (the noun) is a result of
The title of this post is a quote by Guy Kawasaki. Guy is a “somebody.” I had my first interaction with Guy in 2009 when I approached him through Twitter to see about obtaining ten signed copies of his book, Reality Check. Although he was busy with a leading blog,
The week before Christmas, I brought my car in for maintenance. The dealership offers both a waiting area as well as a shuttle service to take you to local destinations while your vehicle is being serviced. While leaving my keys with the service department, I inquired about the shuttle driver
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between an exceptional customer service provider, like Nordstrom, and a typical service provider, like Toys”R”Us? First, consider what the two have in common: Both are retailers with physical stores as well as a web-based store Both distribute merchandise catalogs to a mailing
In 2007, I read the outstanding book by Chip and Dan Heath titled, Made to Stick. In the book, the authors identified a number of principles that contribute to a message or experience being memorable. One of those principles was unexpectedness. In other words, if a message or experience is
Yesterday morning, I brought two of my children, ages seven and five, to school. As I approached the drop-off point at the very top of a steep hill, I noticed the car in front of me slide just a bit on the black ice covering the road. When I tested
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