If everything went as planned yesterday, then the above picture is of myself and Mark Sanborn, an international bestselling author and noted authority on leadership, team building, customer service and change.
When I heard that Mark was going to be the keynote speaker at our annual convention, I set out to learn what I could about him. I bought one of his books, The Fred Factor: How Passion in Your Work and Life Can Make the Ordinary Extraordinary. Immediately, I realized this is a man I want to meet.
He is also a fellow blogger. So I made a comment on one of his postings. Comments are always welcome and I thought it would help add a little spark to his day. He replied with a very gracious thank you. And that opened the door for me.
Feeling a bit bold, I asked him for a shout-out from stage at our convention during his keynote address. David, are you serious? Do you want to turn an opportunity to learn from one of the world’s best into something like calling a radio DJ just to get your name shouted over the airwaves?
No. I did it as a “social”experiment; a test of the power of social media to expand one’s social and professional network. And if this is this post is up, then the experiment was a success.
It also showed the power of relationship. And that’s what Mark shared with us today. Our customers don’t just buy our products. They buy our products and a little piece of us to go with it. They buy our products because of us.
Mark used the word CARE – Create a Rare Experience. Make a connection to your customer to show them you care. Don’t waste an opportunity to be extraordinary.
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