“Give people what they want, and they will give you what you want.”
– Zig Ziglar
The Law of Adding Value: Leaders who add value to people become great success stories whose reputations and heritages are remembered for years. Anyone can sell, but it takes a person who adds value to people to keep their trust. Business leaders trust people who can bring resources and advice and added value to the table. Great sales are the result of becoming a business growth expert to the customer.
Can We Be Frank?
I was attending a conference and flew across the continent to get there. My itinerary called for two stopovers heading to Portland. The first leg went normal, but as I boarded the flight in Atlanta, I felt unusual. Within minutes of takeoff, I felt sick and achy. An hour into the 4.5-hour flight, I felt like I was catching the flu (this was years before the Pandemic). It got so bad, I spent most of the flight in one of the restrooms on the plane with a flight attendant periodically checking on me.
Once in Portland, I limped into the commuter train with my bag. At the downtown hotel, I struggled into the lobby and practically fell across the registration desk.
“Checking in?” the man asked with a grin… he could tell how bad I felt, but not why. “Yes, but not for long,” I whispered. “I think I’ve caught some ‘bug’ on the trip here and I am probably leaving on the first flight home tomorrow.”
“I’m so sorry,” he said. “My name is Frank. I will do everything I can to make your short stay as comfortable as I can.” He quickly checked me in and summoned a bellman to assist me and my luggage to the room. The bellman had to just about carry me with my bag.
Once in the room I fell onto the bed and laid there for about 20 minutes catching my breath, and still aching all over. Suddenly a knock at the door, and I found myself facing a smiling young woman in a hotel uniform carrying a tray. “My name is Erin.” Frank said you aren’t feeling well, so we made you a bowl of vegetable beef soup and I put some crackers, a Sprite and a mint. There is also a card that we all signed to help you feel better.”
I was speechless! “Now you eat all of that soup, Mr. Mathis, or you won’t feel better!” she scolded, like my mother would. I laid back down and got emotional. After a few minutes, I got up, sat down, and ate the soup. Then I felt like taking a long, hot shower. Once out, I suddenly felt better (Dang, Erin was right!)
I went downstairs to thank Frank, but he had gone off duty and wouldn’t be back until after I left on Sunday.
I felt he should know how much the gift, card and thoughts had meant to me... | 
