Serving or Self-Serving

#FridayFlashback

“It has always been my belief that a man should do his best, regardless of how much he receives for his services, or the number of people he may be serving or the class of people served.” - Napoleon Hill

It has been a bit spotty of late in getting my blog articles out. There are changes on the horizon for me and those have kept me quite busy. So I am working to get back into a regular pattern of writing so stick with me folks.

Today I wanted to ask a couple of questions;

Regarding your business or job
- Is customer service really at the core of your business or simply “lip” service?

Regarding your everyday life
- Do you live in service to others or are you simply living for yourself?

In your business (or job you work at), the time has come to realize that the ability —or inability— to serve customers in a way that is consistent with meeting and exceeding their expectations is the biggest differentiator which separates a successful business from others. The same is true in your personal life. Serving others before self will have a dramatic impact on your life and the lives of those around you.

It is the difference between living life and living your best life.

Now is the time to transform customer service from a one-dimensional, one-directional exchange into a fluid and integral part of your life. There are basic rules for transforming your life and business and it begins with serving others.

Life has a lot to do with the “CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE” you provide.

Remember today is the day you felt a drop of rain splash down on your forehead. Is it time to build that ark, Noah? In other words, today is the day to start making a change.

Elevate “customer service” (serving others) into a front office mission critical strategic imperative. Make it a strategic part of your everyday life.

Stay inspired my friends.

SAME Cafe

blogs.westword.com

"We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don't know." - W. H. Auden

So what it comes down to is helping some one else in life. The giving of just a little can mean and do so much for those that are struggling.

In keeping with that idea, there is a cafe called SAME Cafe in Denver, Colorado doing just that. The word SAME stands for, So All May Eat and from their website they describe what they are doing as;

"...unique in the lack of a set menu as well as set prices. Daily selections are made using fresh, organic ingredients, and funded by the donations of patrons. Instead of a cash register, a donation box is available for one to pay what they felt their meal was worth, or to leave a little more and help out someone less fortunate. If a diner does not have sufficient money to leave, they are encouraged to exchange an hour of service. Our philosophy is that everyone, regardless of economic status, deserves the chance to eat healthy food while being treated with dignity."

They were reported on by NBC Nightly News.



It is another way to see that there are people out there doing great things, giving of themselves and making a difference in the lives of other people. You can do the same thing by donating to them or to other great causes. The organization can be big or small and your donation big or small helps in ways you probably can't imagine.

If you are concerned about any organization, look them up via the local Better Business Bureau or through Charity Navigator.

The important thing is to involve yourself and in serving others. You will be surprised by what gets returned to your life by doing something great for another.

Stay inspired my friends!

Connected Dots: EMCWorld 2013 - Day Two

"Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it." -Ralph Marston

An impressive first day that truly didn't disappoint myself or any one of the nearly 15,000 people in attendance. I always develop certain expectations of what these days are going to be like. Am I going to run into someone that I haven't seen in a long time? Will I remember their name? Will they remember me?

What I have come to the conclusion is that of all those connections made over the years are lasting if I have committed to the relationship without expectation of something in return.

That means if we develop friendships, help other people and do all of this without a requirement of getting something in return, the connection is much stronger. This is what happens in the business world and can work for you in your own life. At EMCWorld and in our every day business, EMC personnel work hard at developing the relationship. If we build a business trust with each other first, the rest is rather easy.

You can attain the same type of relationships in your own business and personal life. When you approach life with a serving attitude, the connections become strong and lasting. In fact, your day is filled with serving others and you may not even realize it. Allowing someone in line as you drive to work, opening the door for someone or simply doing your job. You help your spouse with the dishes, the kids with homework or a neighbor move a desk.

Most everything you do throughout your day is comprised of serving others. And this elaborate intertwining of peoples lives means that you are served as well through out the day. What you receive in return is directly proportional to the level of servitude you extend to others.

It can be humbling but you need to have confidence in yourself and a positive attitude that you can change other peoples lives through small acts of kindness. Serve with a joyful heart and with the knowledge that you will receive in kind the same. You have nothing to lose and all the world to gain. We are never too young or too old to ask, "Can I hold open that door for you?"

Stay inspired my friends.