Scott Adams
Slowing Down
Time is a funny thing, and a limited commodity, that we all cherish. Or do we? As I write this month’s Publisher’s Letter, I realize how fast the years, months, and days fly by, and how infrequently we stop to smell the roses.
For example, last month between Christmas and New Years, I was shopping in a CVS store, and low and behold what did I see? Valentine’s Day decorations, cards, and candy. As a consumer, it aggravates me to hear Christmas music before Thanksgiving, and to see Valentine’s Day junk before the New Year. We are a society of the “Next Thing.”
What if we all slowed down for a minute and dedicated some time to being in front of our customers? I realize we can’t do this every visit, and customers probably wouldn’t allow it, but I believe we could make an effort to do this every other month, or at least once a quarter.
How much would it set you apart from your competitor if you got into a cadence bi-monthly or quarterly where you spent an extra 10-15 minutes with your accounts to talk about what’s important to them? Maybe the conversation is about their kids, parents, or their career goals. I’m not even suggesting this window of time be used as a business conversation. Think of it more as a relationship building mission. I actually need to stop and do the same thing!
Life is flying by, so let’s try and enjoy some of it by building relationships that last a career, and make people feel special.
By the way, Happy Valentine’s Day! BARF!
Dedicated to the Industry,
Scott Adams
PS: Don’t forget to Check out this month’s “Road Warriors and Their Untold Stories” featuring Ty Ford and Eddie Dienes. These podcasts are found at Repertoiremag.com