Very few people understand or apply the
powerful principle of “going the extra mile” –
rendering more and better service than you
are paid for.
Not paying attention to this success principle
can drastically limit your earning power. Not
only that, but ONLY doing what you are paid to
do, adds resistance and friction to an otherwise
magnificent career.
Now, just so you know, by “going the extra mile”
I do NOT mean that you should cater to every
begger, mooch and n’er do well who comes
with an open palm. What I’m talking about is
giving MORE to all who have already given to
you.
On the Internet, for example, my entire relationship
begins as a giver. I send out emails every day with
positive, inspiring and helpful messages – and the majority
of these messages reach the eyes and ears of people I have
never met and do not know.
The readers of this email, for example, live all over the world –
many in countries I never heard of until the person bought some
thing and we had to figure out WHERE and HOW to send their
package.
Now, when we send a package to someone, I like to enclose
“unannounced” gifts. We find doing this not only makes the
customers surprised and happy, but it strengthens the
relationship overall.
Recently I announced the formation of the Psycho-Cybernetics
Success Group. As far as the reader of the promotion knows,
he or she is getting a monthly newsletter and a monthly meditation,
on CD – as well as a couple other gifts.
But when the new member receives the package, there will be other
items inside, each of which will make him happy, each of which will
tell him he made a wise decision.
In my dealings with other business people, this sort of exchange almost
never takes place. In fact, I often find that what begins with a high amount
of energy frequently tapers off until it slows to a snail’s pace, if not a halt.
This is what happens when you frequently go to the same restaurant or
meeting place. At first the service is great. The staff greets you, is pleased
to see you, thanks you for your business, maybe even gives you an extra
little something to see you smile. But then, after they think they “got you” –
they give their attention to others and ignore you. It’s almost as if they say
to themselves, “Okay, he’s a good customer. Don’t worry about him. Take
care of the newbies.”
Yet, when you think about it, the opposite approach is a better one. Cater first
to whomever is giving you the most – I think that’s a better way to do business.
True, there are some who will take advantage of you when you go the extra
mile. They’ll treat you as if you “should” be doing more than what was paid
for. They’ll never thank you and they’ll never show any appreciation whatsoever.
But that is NOT to stop you from doing what is a good practice. Simply figure out
who notices when you’re doing MORE and reward them. Not only that, when you
find others who are slowly but surely giving you less and less – remember the
axiom – “plenty of fish in the sea.”
“Going the extra mile” is not just a business principle. It applies to the student
who practices a little longer and the athlete who gives a little more. I’ve used it
my entire life – and you’d be wise to do the same. It’s always that “little bit
extra” that makes a difference in life.
Best,
P.S. To become a member of the Psycho-Cybernetics Success
Group and witness how I go the extra mile for you – run on over to
http://www.psycho-cybernetics.com/success_group.html
P.P.S. My October seminar is now sold out. Those who attend will be blown
away with what they receive. Over-delivering is my speciality.