Early this year I was approached by a potential client and asked if I would write a series of three articles for their company newsletter. The client sheepishly admitted that he didn’t have much of a budget and when he quoted the figure he was right, he didn’t have much of a budget. However, because I enjoy writing I agreed to do the articles and put a good deal of effort into them. The other day the phone rang and it was the potential client thanking me for the outstanding articles and invited me to address his various companies around the country at my full speaking price. Talk about an unexpected surprise!
Chris Anderson’s new book, “The Long Tail” addresses why the future of business is selling less of more and the benefits. He discusses the reputation economy; the end of inventory; the Wal-Mart effect; the power of peer production and the 9 rules of operating in a Long Tail economy.
So often in the past the mindset of business has been the bottom line and full speed ahead. If every business is thinking that way, where is the soul of business to business going?
The senior market is the perfect area to put the business of selling less of more into practice. It is the fasting-growing demographic in the country and people over 50 are the last group of business people who can remember clients going out of their way to help and mean it.
If you find yourself or your company in a position to reach down and help someone, do it. Not for the benefit that you might derive, but rather that your extending a kindness or a help that will probably not be forgotten. In the difficult business climate of today, that’s not only simply great public realtions but you add a human touch to your business.
It’s a little like giving the down and out street person some money. You dont know what they are going to spend that money on. Booze, drugs, food or who knows what. But you feel good because you’ve recognized them and their problem and offered to help in some small way!
August 3, 2008 at 12:55 pm |
Clark.
That was a great piece. It makes so much sense yet so many people turn a deaf ear to advice like this. Down here in the Atlanta area I have witnessed the helping side of people more often than in Chicago. Most people will go out of their way to help a neighbor, a friend or someone they don’t even know. Older adults are more active and possibly in their second or third post-retirement career.
I have spoken with several people at length, that’s how it happens in the South, at length, concerning their need to “keep on going”. One check out lady at the grocery store the other day even told me that she is a retired high school principal from the Northeast.
It is wonderful to me when I see someone older continue to be an asset to the community. Yes, all of us who are over 50 (now) still want to be counted, appreciated and noticed. What goes around, comes around.