Is Your Attitude An Asset?
Is Your Attitude An Asset?
The power of positivity.
For many years, I worked as an unemployment insurance tax consultant. That’s a very complicated way of saying, “I made sure that my clients did not overpay their taxes.” The job required that I have contacts at every state in the union who could answer questions about unemployment insurance taxes.
For the most part, the people I spoke with were cooperative and knowledgeable. But I discovered that there were always a handful of people who went above and beyond to be friendly, memorable, and fun. One of those people was Linda Hassenplug. Even though I only spoke with her once on the phone, I remember her, partially because her name was so unique, but mostly because she had such a positive attitude.
I can’t remember the specific reason I called her, but it was no doubt to ask her a question about one of my clients in Pennsylvania. She gave me all the information I needed and I thanked her for it. When we were done, she surprised me by kidding around and saying, “Make sure that you file your client’s paperwork on time or we’ll break your kneecaps.”
Many government workers don’t like to demonstrate a sense of humor when they’re talking with people they don’t know. But I liked that Linda was not afraid to use a sense of humor to have fun with me even though we had never spoken before. That event took place about 35 years ago and it still stands out in my memory. It demonstrates just how long-lasting an effect we can make on someone by having a sense of fun.
You are the best judge of when it’s appropriate to have fun with your customers. It will depend on the circumstances and the person. Remember, one size fits one. However, it’s always appropriate to greet your customers and prospects with a positive attitude. If they are going to remember you at all, let it be for something good.
"Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude." - Zig Ziglar
(This excerpt is taken from my seminar entitled Approaching Change with a Positive Attitude.) I encourage you to click here to register for my exclusive live Zoom Approaching Change with a Positive Attitude seminar. On Thursday, April 21, 2022, from 9 AM to 12 noon Eastern Standard Time.
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