Recently I was asked where I get my ideas for articles, blog posts and webinar fodder.
The answer is “everywhere.” “Everyday.” All you have to do is keep your eyes and ears open and be receptive to worldly input.
Such was the case yesterday. I received a GREAT reminder from a blind man.
Not a blind man, but a blind man … a guy who sells blinds.We spotted his truck out in front of our condo and since my wife has already begun kicking new kitchen window treatments around in her mind, we called over the rail and asked the gentleman to stop by for a measurement before he left town.
He was well spoken … cleanly attired in jeans and a short sleeve button-down shirt.
He extended his hand promptly with his name to follow and a favorable first impression was in the bank.
He measured. He took notes. He was history within 5-minutes, but not before promising to get us a number we could chew on early the following morning.
A few minutes after nine this morning my phone rang. True to his word, it was Dave The Blind Man with a quote and an invitation to call back with any questions. He simply did as he said he would. I liked that.
If I were a betting man, I would bet along the lines of new blinds for the Marchev household before too many more full moons.
The lessons here are numerous.
- I was clearly a “shopper.” Shoppers are good things. I invited the guy into my home, and he did not shoot himself in the foot. I was already thinking of blinds. He did not have to sell me anything. He had every opportunity to screw things up. He did not.
- First impressions are important. Clean, polite, thorough, knowledgeable. Bright. Brief & Gone. You don’t ever want to over-do your stay. People are busy.
- You never know when you might be called upon for a measurement. Dress and act accordingly. He had no idea I was watching. A poor initial visual and he woould not have had a chance. People are always watching. Consider yourself warned.
- Call people back if you say you will. Strike while the iron is hot. If you can’t do it … don’t say it. If you say it … do it. I would hope he has me on his follow-up list.
There are probably more lessons to be learned from the Blind Man, but let it suffice to say that if you keep your eyes open and you are ready to pursue opportunities when they present themselves, (on their terms) you too just might become a success worth writing about.
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Yes, I know I wrote “wave.”