Picture the entry way to your home. Is there a mat at the front door that says “Welcome”? Does the doorbell work? Does the front door need a little paint? When you walk in is the area well lit and inviting? Do you answer the door in your bath robe and slippers?

All these little questions answer one big question. Is your home welcoming to guests? Now ask these same questions of your organization – parking, entrance, receptionist, website, etc. Is your parking lot clean and are the best spaces saved for guests? Is the entrance organized and well lit?

Does your receptionist have a great smile and positive attitude whether on the phone or with guests? Is he or she helpful, even to sales people?  

Now look at your website or the landing page of a marketing campaign. Is there a fast and easy path to follow when making a purchase or donation? Is the site clean and organized? Many websites make me feel like I’m playing “Where’s Waldo” as I search for the correct icon to click in order to buy or donate.

Look at all your customer touch points. It may be time for you to put out a new Welcome mat?

The Prophet Jonah shares an important lesson for all of us in Jonah 2:8 “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” This is a part of Jonah’s prayer while he’s in the belly of a fish. He’s teaching us that when we put our priorities on things other than God, we are missing out on the incredible blessings God has for us.

Biblical truths apply not only to our relationship with God, but to every area of our life – family, work, etc. Let me explain. If, as a spouse or parent, you’re spending all your time at home watching television or staring at a computer screen, those things have become worthless idols in your life. And you’re missing out on the joy of spending time with your family.

How about work? Have some of your old habits become worthless idols that are keeping you from the success that could be yours? I’m reminded of the expression “That’s the way we’ve always done it.” You may be clinging to worthless idols and keeping your company from reaching its full potential.

Are you forfeiting the incredible blessings God has for all areas of your life? Don’t be like Jonah. Don’t wait until you’re floating around in the digestive juices of a fish to realize what you’re missing. Maybe it’s time for an idol inventory.  

Your family will usually listen to you even if you’re boring. Shame on you for torturing them!

If you want someone to listen to your idea, you’ve got to make it interesting, entertaining or both. You might have an idea that will change the world – a new book, movie, blog, website, business, mouse trap, etc.

But if you don’t make it interesting or entertaining, the world will never know.

I recently heard a former producer for Fox News share that to get on their show you had to be timely, newsworthy and interesting. Oprah won’t book you for her show if you’re boring. She could have found someone who gave much better advice than Dr. Phil. But Dr. Phil was interesting and entertaining…and now he has his own show.

Stop watching others and go take your seat by Oprah.

Two simple words, yet what an impact. You might have seen the commercials a few years ago where two women (one being overweight) meet in a grocery store. The smaller lady asks the overweight woman about her pregnancy. She tells the smaller lady she’s not pregnant and starts to get mad. The smaller lady, thinking quickly, says “Thank you.” The overweight lady says “You’re welcome” and forgets she was mad. Then they hug.

Everyone loves to hear those two words. We want to feel appreciated. How are you and your organization doing when it comes to thanking your customers?

The first “Thank you” starts at the point of purchase. Have you trained everyone who interacts with customers to say “Thank you”? Recently after ordering a book from Amazon, I got an email confirmation of my order, but no “Thank you.” I love Amazon, but a “Thank you” would have made the experience even better.

The second “Thank you” is the follow up. A few days after the sale, send your customer a postcard, letter, email or something thanking them again. You can also include a survey and/or discount coupon for their next visit.

For example, the dealership that services my car always calls to thank me and ask me about my visit.  They even offer a discount off the next visit.

Thank you for being so supportive of my blog and speaking. Your ideas, comments, praise and critiques all help make me better. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!