Features
The Master of Zing
The news media’s announcement that the U. S. Postal Service is in trouble wasn’t a huge surprise to most of us. The world has shifted; we are using email so that business is down for the postal service. E-mail is immediate and doesn’t require postage. Perhaps it has the greatest cost of all, the cost of diminishing relationships. By using email we risk fading into the crowd and failing to stand out. This change in society offers an opportunity for you to separate yourself from competition while developing solid relationships with your prospects and customers.
Jeff, my postman, walked into my office and as he picked up a letter I had laid out to mail said “Nothing for you today.” I immediately thought “Great, no bills.” Bills and flyers are what I typically receive. While cleaning out my inbox recently, I discovered a note from a former associate that I received many months ago. I hadn’t discarded it because of the emotional impact it had on me when I received it. Interestingly, it had the same impact when I re-read it. That’s obviously why I kept it. In 2011 it has become rare to receive a personal hand-written note. That rarity creates an opportunity!
A personal hand-written note doesn’t have to be long. Actually, being simple and short is often preferred. “Thank you for your business. We value loyal customers like you. I enjoy working with you.” Now you’re standing out from your competition for only 44 cents!
A pre-printed card that says the same thing has a totally different effect. We quickly throw those in the trash. When something is hand written we have a tendency to value it. You see, it’s about making a personal connection and strengthening a relationship.
If you would like to make the note more specific, tell people what you like, admire, respect or appreciate about them. Next, tell them why you like or appreciate it, then share how you personally benefit. For example: “I enjoy working with you. Your sense of humor creates a bright spot in my day.”
I’m encouraging you to hop on the REA 44-10-10 Express. It’s a train for which you don’t have to purchase tickets or wait. It’s ready to go when you are. Invest 44 cents, 10 minutes and express your Recognition, Encouragement or Appreciation to another person with a hand-written note. Hop the express daily for 10 days.
Don’t limit yourself to customers; it’s applicable for all of the important people in your life. Look for opportunities to encourage folks who are facing a challenge. Provide recognition when people achieve a goal or have a success. You’ll find that you’re developing a habit which will endear you to others and set you apart. You will launch one of the most effective advertising-/relationship-building campaigns known to modern man. There is no replacement for genuine one-on-one interaction.
None of us would stand by and allow important people in our lives to starve without taking immediate action. The reality is, often without our awareness, people in our lives are starved for recognition, encouragement or appreciation and we do nothing. Let’s make sure they know they’re important to us.
I received a quote recently that impressed me and sums up my thoughts. “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” ~ Dalai Lama, 1935
So start today and get on the REA 44-10-10 Express. Now you’re creating ZING!
