I’ve learned to measure my words a little more carefully when speaking with marketing whizzes and business coaches. They aren’t so keen on me vigorously advocating for skill transference as it lessens the need for my services. I see their point, but to me it’s more important that my clients and audiences “get it”. Remember that old proverb about giving someone a fish, then you feed them for a day? Teach them to fish, and you feed them for a lifetime. Think of it this way, while elementary school teachers may be very fond of Susie or Jimmy, chances are they want them to learn all the prerequisites so that they can advance to the next grade in the fall. That particular teacher will have a new crop of students and those who have advanced still have much more to learn. Opportunities for teaching and learning keep on keeping on.
Image by ErikaWittlieb from Pixabay
Like, Know, Trust, & An Extra Hand
If I work with a client on arranging their pantry, and they’re delighted that they have learned how to purchase items they need and will use, place their groceries in such a way that items don’t disappear and expire before use, they eventually may need an extra hand in sorting through their clothes or linen closets, home offices, or need a time management reboot. I’m not worried.
Image by Dizzy Roseblade from Pixabay
One of the key lessons I have learned from the marketing gurus is to build “like, know and trust.” A concept I definitely take to heart. I believe part of building the trust is allowing others to see that for me, it’s not all about the money. Yes, I need income to support my business so that I may continue to serve others, but the $$ are not what drives me. What makes me giddy with glee is when I see the nickels and dimes (even the pennies) drop. The smallest victories are often the greatest catalysts for transformation, and the rewards are more rapid. A novel organizing technique is embraced, a new way of purchasing is considered, a box of battered goods or tattered clothes is released, an overflow of commitments is reconsidered and some are subsequently erased from the calendar, or I receive a text saying that a pile of books was dropped off at the used bookstore freeing up floor and shelf space in the family room.
Triumphs Fuel the Passion
Image by rawpixel from Pixabay
These triumphs mean I’ve done my job. I’ve introduced new thought patterns and explained a process effectively enough that habits are transforming. From my end, it doesn’t get much better than that. And yes, once someone’s confidence and organizing skill levels soar, perhaps they will no longer need my services much like Mary Poppins when it was time for her to move on. Well guess what? With client satisfaction comes referral opportunities. There are always friends, relatives, adult offspring, coworkers, and neighbors who are struggling with everything from burgeoning calendars, out of control messes, to just needing a hand to straighten a pantry enough to make a non-duplicative grocery purchase saving time and money. I bet you know someone like that. Passing along a referral is super easy, and knowing we’ve helped someone out gives our own neurons a boost.
So to all the admonishments to stop giving away the secrets to leading an organized life, I say the “cat’s out of the bag”.
