- The power of relationship
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.
Tweet
Excellent experiment to prove an excellent point. Nicely done. 🙂
Thanks Patty. Hopefully the fruits of my experiment will be seen soon.
David, had the pleasure of meeting Mark a few years ago. And the very challenging opportunity to give a keynote speech following his. To say he is awesome is an understatement.
He actually sought me out prior to his speaking time where I was able to snap a quick pic. He followed Rajesh Durbal, who was equally inspiring in my opinion. More on him later.
Whats up David? This blogging thing is kinda fun. Especially when you start to find or develop your own unique style or approach to it. Ever since my post about The Mark – last Friday? it has been a lot more fun for me. So I just want to say thank you to you for showing me the opportunity of blogging. And oh by the way, I have already reached a new high today of 8. I would imagine I can thank you for some of those hits as well.
Hey Brandon. Thanks for stopping by. I left a comment over on your blog.
Begin the preparation for your day the night before.
Good Morning Mr. David – Mark Sanborn is truly one of a kind! His books are filled with great information – and when he writes a blog, it often times seems as if he is talking directly to me. I have often told folks that I meet that if everyone, employees, managers and upper-management were to read and apply Mark’s insight on operating a business – Quality Customer Service would be the norm, not the exception.
Have a great day! Nice experiment.
BL