Do you have 15 minutes and $15 or less to see an amazing impact in your business and life?This principle works!
Recently I presented at an event hosted by the University of Michigan, and enjoyed dinner afterwards with my client, Marilyn.
During casual conversation while deciding what to order, my host mentioned she “goes hog-wild” for A&W Root Beer. Good thing she didn’t say Dom Perignon, since dinner was on me!
I made a mental note of her affinity for A&W Root Beer and pondered a few alternatives on the flight back. Arriving home I jumped online for less than 15 minutes and ordered a case of A&W Root Beer for less than $15, which was delivered to her home address within three days.
Pretty cool. The moral of the story? I was re-booked there the following year, right? Ehhhhh…..no.
I was referred to a colleague who booked me the following year, right?
Ehhhhh…..no.
In fact, over three years went by, and I didn’t hear anything from Marilyn!
Until one day, I received a phone call. Here is how it went:
Marilyn: “Andy…Hi—It’s Marilyn from up in Michigan, do you
remember me?”
Andy: “Sure I remember you, Marilyn. How are you doing?”
Marilyn: “I’m great! Hey, I wanted to tell you that I’m so sorry I
hadn’t kept in touch. You’re not going to believe this, but, the very
next day after your program…well, I quit my job! I’m doing
something completely different now. But, guess what….?”
Andy: “What?”
Marilyn: “I just became chair of the planning committee for our
upcoming conference, and we’d love for you to be our keynote
speaker. Are you available on August 23rd ?”
Andy: “Yes…that sounds great. Would love to do it!”
Once again after that event, Marilyn and I again enjoyed dinner together. I just had to have this conversation:
Andy: “So, Marilyn, I have to ask…After three years, what made you decide to track me down to present this program for you?”
Marilyn: “Sure, Andy. I’ve been waiting three years to tell you this. You know, I love your program. You’re really a great speaker. But, there are plenty of other great speakers out there who also present great programs, as well. Do you remember that case of A&W Root Beer you shipped to my home?”
Andy: “Sure….absolutely.”
Marilyn: “Andy, do you know I STILL have one can of that A&W Root Beer in my refrigerator, that I show my friends and family when they come over? That was the greatest small gesture that anyone has ever done for me when it wasn’t my birthday or Christmas.”
Wow!
As great as we think we are at what we do, there is another person, or another company, who can probably perform the same function or service just as well as we can.
So, what makes the difference? The little things. The little things which take 15 minutes or less, and $15 or less. What an amazing investment of so little time, and so little money.
We use the excuses of: “I don’t have enough time” and “I don’t have enough budget,” don’t
we? Sure we do. We should always have 15 minutes or less, and $15 or less, to spend on the most important people in our life and career.
Fifteen minutes per day is just 1/100 th of our time. Here’s the challenge! What amazing impact can you make today with your special client, significant other, employee, or new contact, using just 15 minutes and $15 dollars or less?
Andy Masters is an award-winning author and international speaker who has written 5 books, earned 4 degrees, and presented hundreds of sales/service, leadership, and personal development experiences. Andy has earned the prestigious “CSP” designation of the National Speakers Association (NSA), the highest earned international recognition for professional speakers, in which less than 10% of speakers worldwide have achieved. To hire Andy for your next event call 888-766-3155 today, or click here: Hire Andy Masters