We all like to get A Little Extra. Getting a little bit more
than we expect elicits emotions which make us feel wonderful. Giving A Littl e
Extra to our clients, patients, contributors, users, friends and family
generates dividends beyond our wildest imagination.
A Little Extra can come in the form of economic benefit as
well as intention or action. “Promise a lot and deliver more” is a concept I
first learned from
Joel Weldon during a seminar in 1989. I have since kept
the maxim close to my heart. When we deliver on our promise to provide an
excellent product or service and then give A Little Extra, the competition,
which tends to be a nightmare for others,
 becomes
a fountain of opportunity for us.
Those who have attended my events know I often give bouncy
balls to affirm my philosophy that “It’s the Bounce that Counts!” This is My
Little Extra. It is my way of spreading my message to as many people as I
can. When attendees at my seminars or conferences get back to their work
places or homes bouncing a little ball, it can lead to discussions regarding
my idea. I have had the immense pleasure of sharing my ideas with more than
7,000 people in various events. That means there are a lot of bouncy balls
out there! I frequently encounter people who tell me, “Though I don’t
remember your name, aren’t you the one with the bouncy balls?”
If it is possible to give A Little Extra using something of
material value, then wonderful! If not, there are still many other ways we
can give A Little Extra.
A few examples:
 |
Acknowledge all with a sincere smile. |
|
Give one more idea than what is expected. |
|
Learn and use people’s names to greet them. |
|
Create positive expectancy by being open and understanding.
|
|
Leave or send notes telling people how important they are to
us. |
|
Use language which permits all to understand subjects with
complex terminology. |
|
Listen to what people have to say rather than constantly
thinking about how we will respond. |
|
Offer candy to customers who walk in the door telling them we
would be happy to help if they so desire. |
|
Call clients, friends and family on their birthdays,
anniversaries as well as during times of trial and tribulation.
|
|
Give big meaningful hugs whenever appropriate. Personally, I
need at least eight hugs a day just for maintenance! |
|
End all encounters showing a genuine appreciation with an
even bigger smile. |
The sky is the limit and creativity is master. It is
important to let people know how significant they are because our greatest
necessity is to be validated, to be taken into account. When we give A
Little Extra to others, we provide an extraordinary gift. |
