While in Phoenix, Arizona last week for the “Endless Referrals/Go-Givers Sell More” event, I stopped by the amazing offices of my friend, Joe Polish to record a video interview which will be posted soon.
Simply put, Joe is among the world’s top marketers; the creator of many hugely successful marketing and promotional campaigns. He’s also a great example of both a Free Market Capitalist and philanthropist, having given and raised millions of dollars for charities including Richard Branson’s Virgin Unite.
During our chat, he brought to my attention one of the many profound teachings of Master Coach Dan Sullivan; this particular one being, “The Referrability Habits.”
They are as follows:
1. Do what you say you’re going to do.
2. Show up on time.
3. Finish what you start.
4. Say “please” and “thank you.”
Now, this seems pretty simple. And, it is. Though, as you’ve most likely heard before, simple should not be confused with easy.
To paraphrase Joe quoting Dan, you cannot leave out even one of those four and still be referable.
So true, isn’t it? I mean, leave out any one of the first three and you blow out any trust you’ve established. Ignore the fourth one and you’ll most likely cause resentment.
Powerful, indeed!
Your thoughts?
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Sounds pretty simple doesn’t it??? This common sense isn’t so common anymore.
LOL Thanks, Ben. I sometimes wonder how common it “ever” was! 🙂
Ah great post indeed! I liked your statement of things that are simple should not be confused with being easy. Going back to the basics and creating a strong foundation for business or social matters makes a grand difference. I will have to use these tips this week and report on my progress. Keep up the wonderful work!
Thank you, Chi Chi. I think the “simple but not easy” phrase is another of those golden nuggets I first heard from Zig Ziglar many years ago. Keeping that in mind has continually been helpful to me. And, yes, I agree with you that the basics, such as Coach Dan discusses, is a huge (perhaps “the” huge) difference. Yes, please report back to us and let us know!
Wonderful post Bob-it was a pleasure hearing you speak at the Phoenix event and the principles above feel like they all fall under the important and powerful value of “Integrity!” Thanks so much for sharing this with us.
Hi Diana, great meeting you, my friend. Thank you for taking time out of your day and joining us. And, thank you for your kind feedback on the article and Dan’s tips!
Simple, but not easy…that’s what I tell my clients when we start working toward defining their genuine message. We have gone through such a long period of hype and exaggeration that somehow the genuine message seems a little bare and people wonder if it can truly be effective. You are certainly proof that being genuine and exercising servant leadership results in real success.
Wow, thank you Beverly. How sweet and kind of you to say. Much appreciated!!
working on the finish what I start. (might mean lots of things I never start).
Alice, and that would be okay. I love it. Good for you!!
Great post Bob. Thank you for the reminder that it is the simple things in life that set us apart.
Regards, Debi Potter
Thank you, Debi. Actually, I had the easy part of simply repeating the wisdom that had already been written. LOL 🙂
1. Do what you say you’re going to do.
2. Show up on time.
3. Finish what you start.
4. Say “please” and “thank you.”
It’s not rocket science, but it happens so rarely in business these days that it immediately differentiates you if you do those 4 things. Great post Bob!
Thank you, Michele. I agree. Seems to take very little (just consistently doing the basics) to set a person apart.
Very simple, yet not very common. These were basics taught to me by my parents and which I’ve tried to pass on to my children. Also, people I meet who follow those four are the ones I will refer.
Thanks so much for the post Bob.
Great points, Mari. Thank you!
Hi Bob, how are you my friend? The ideas of Dan Sullivan are so profound aren’t they? And so are the ideas of Joe Polish too… but don’t tell him that or he might grow back that pony tail — ha ha, but hey he could auction it off for charity again like he did before — like the cool guy he is 😉
As long as I read and learn from Bob Burg, Joe Polish and Dan Sullivan… life is good!
Thanks for being you, the world needs more of “you.”
Your friend,
Mark Nolan
Mark, Great to hear from you, my friend! Seems like it’s been a long time. Yes, I agree about Dan and Joe. And you fall into that same company, being one of the world’s premiere copywriters and information providers. I remember learning from you 20 years ago after you were referred by Melvin Howard (wow, that goes back a ways!). Stay in touch!