”Here is a simple but powerful rule – always give people more than what they expect to get.” – Nelson Boswell
Image courtesy of Vangelis Thomaidis
A few weekends ago we worked out in the yard, creating a wonderful outdoor room. We’d already had a start on it last year but were missing a few pieces. This year, the only thing missing was somewhere to sit and eat. Outdoor conversation areas are a fun way of entertaining, but when one has a glass of wine, a plate and silverware they struggle when forced to set plates on their knees. With a wedding gift and a few alterations to the yard we managed to find a way to seat 10 people at tables.
I love to serve, and that goes for my business as much as my home. To cook for others and invite them into our lives is a gift for both my husband and me. We are fortunate to have a large group of friends and hope the weather will offer us a chance this August to invite a few over.
Service is something you do because you care for others. The gifts we receive in return are far greater than what we give. This can be as true for you in business as well as your personal life. When a customer feels they are getting more than they expected, when an employee receives coaching and development, when your boss is pleasantly surprised because you put more of yourself into your work; all of these will garner the same kind of satisfaction and happiness most of us crave!
An easy equation to remember… U+O+P=H
YoU giving + care for Others + number of People you know = Happiness
Have a happy day and reach beyond expectation without any wish for something in return – you just might discover how happy you are!
Hi Patti,
Great post! I like that formula.
It sounds as if you have the gift of hospitality. That shows in your comments above and in the dialogue over the past few months. It’s sometimes difficult during trying times to put the customers or prospects first. Yet, when we do, it mostly sparks warm feelings for us. Your formula explains that.
I hope that the weather cooperates and you have a grand summer entertaining in your backyard.
Cheers,
Marty
Marty,
Thank you for the summer wishes. One of the things we forget to do everyday is what I call ‘Creating Successful Customers’. When I feel like a successful customer, I feel like I am in a relationship I want to tell the world about, share with friends, repeat and stay a part of! The formula is easy, implementation takes commitment and desire from the entire group – as you well know, by the very valued work you do.
Best,
Patti
Yes! This is the winning formula. It is like karma. I try to teach everyone at work about caring about their co-workers, if everybody cares for the other, everybody cares for you, it is so simple. And in relationships, the good relationships is where both is interested in being the best for the other. I want to make my wife happy, and she wants to make me happy. Give, give, give and appreciate what you get in return.
Frode,
I love the way you put that, ‘give, give, give and appreciate what you get in return.’ – thanks so much for the comment and sharing your enthusiasm for something I care a great deal about!.
Patti