Ordinary to Extra-Ordinary

"A cab driver taught me a million dollar lesson in customer satisfaction and expectation. Motivational speakers charge thousands of dollars to impart his kind of training to corporate executives and staff. It cost me a $12 taxi ride. 

I had flown into Dallas for the sole purpose of calling on a client. Time was of the essence and my plan included a quick turnaround trip from and back to the airport. A spotless cab pulled up.

The driver rushed to open the passenger door for me and made sure I was comfortably seated before he closed the door. As he got in the driver's seat, he mentioned that the neatly folded Wall Street Journal next to me for my use. He then showed me several tapes and asked me what type of music I would enjoy.

Well! I looked around for a "Candid Camera!" Wouldn't you? I could not believe the service I was receiving! I took the opportunity to say, "Obviously you take great pride in your work. You must have a story to tell." 

"You bet," he replied, "I used to be in Corporate America. But I got tired of thinking my best would never be good enough. I decided to find my niche in life where I could feel proud of being the best I could be.

 I knew I would never be a rocket scientist, but I love driving cars, being of service and feeling like I have done a full day's work and done it well. I evaluate my personal assets and... wham! I became a cab driver.

One thing I know for sure, to be good in my business I could simply just meet the expectations of my passengers. But, to be GREAT in my business, I have to EXCEED the customer's expectations! I like both the sound and the return of being 'great' better than just getting by on 'average'" 

Did I tip him big time? You bet! Corporate America's loss is the traveling folk's friend!"

What Lesson Did You Learn?

When I read the story of the cab driver, many lessons come to my mind. The first is that you must love what you do. The second is service first.

Love What You Do!

Last week we discussed the value of loving your job. We also listed two valuable websites for giving you knowledge on ways to excel in your career. The websites were Jobosity and East Coast Internships.

Service First!

There are many people in todays society who are on the "Get Rich Quick Diet". Out of all the people I have spoken with who try this  diet less than 1% succeed. I have found that the best way to become rich is to put service first. The mentors of mine who focus on service first are all multimillionaires and look at their money as a by product from the service they provide. 

Example:   

Out of Money --> Dr. Smith is the local dentist in Dallas, Texas. He has a $3500/month rent, $400 electric bill, $3000 payroll, and $4000 in extra expenses. Dr. Smith recently graduated from school and all he can think about is paying his bills on time and removing student debt. When he talks to people in the community about coming into his office all he can think about is subtracting debt. He goes out to different businesses to try and speak on preventative dental care so that he can pay his bills. Dr. Smith loves his job but is very focused on making money. As time progresses he notices that people are not coming to the office so he gets involved in outside businesses. The cycle continues and soon he finds himself no longer practicing dentistry.

Out of Service --> Dr. Jones practices down the street from Dr. Smith with the same expenses. Dr. Jones loves this profession and understands the value in service he provides each day. When Dr. Jones was a student in dental school he would volunteer in the student clinic as a freshman. Dr. Jones has been on several mission trips and takes care of 3 gratis patients. He also goes to different businesses to setup talks on preventative care at his expense. When you talk to Dr. Jones you can feel his passion for dentistry and the love he has for what he does. Dr. Jones is constantly talking to people about dentistry and the benefits one can have by coming in 2 times a year. The residents of Dallas see his passion and begin to flock to his practice. As time progresses Dr Jones continues to get referrals and soon he has the largest practice in Dallas. 

The moral of the story above is to do what you do out of love. No matter if it is your patient, client, customer, they will know if you love what you do or if you are in it for money. 

How to apply to your life?

* Determine the service your providing to your patients, clients, or customers.

* Own this in your heart. (If you do not love what you do, then quit)

* Spread the word to everyone you know and watch your life prosper.