Always be kind to others. This is a personal philosophy I've practiced most of my life and it pays great dividends.
Last November, I attended a learning and development, or L&D, conference where I met several associates who gathered to review the latest leadership methodology products. The L&D industry is inundated with multiple methods for invigorating profitable organizational change. The trick is to find the one that best fits your company's goals.
During the conference, I was introduced to Dr. Fadi-Sonka, a gracious 70-year-old owner of a leadership institute in Nigeria. Fadi-Sonka, several others and I would spontaneously meet in the mornings over breakfast.
On the fourth day, Fadi-Sonka was sitting at the hotel's business computer obviously struggling to access his e-mail. I stepped up and asked if he needed help, he said yes and for the next 45 minutes we attempted to put him in touch with his wife and children.
That simple gesture of kindness led to the opening of a huge market for my services. Fadi-Sonka introduced me to the head of L&D of a major Nigerian company.
Since that introduction, I have enjoyed working with public dignitaries and private industry executives from Nigeria, providing custom programs that have allowed me to partner with several domestic professionals. Each project has been a blessing and an education in international commerce and cultural exchange.
My message is simple, plain common sense, especially if you are a service provider. Be kind to everyone no matter their station in life or their political or religious ideology, because you never know when a simple gesture of help will lead to your next major break.
Isn't that what leadership here in America is all about?
This story is a unique one, but it resonates throughout every aspect of marketing small businesses that thrive on building supportive relationships, which require nurturing. The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce offers a Netweaving (nurture marketing) workshop that promotes this same philosophy.
Be kind, supportive and recognize that not every effort has to be for your own gain. Your support for others will come back, maybe in an e-mail from Nigeria.
For more information, call (760) 889-0882 or visit www.gottall.com.
Last November, I attended a learning and development, or L&D, conference where I met several associates who gathered to review the latest leadership methodology products. The L&D industry is inundated with multiple methods for invigorating profitable organizational change. The trick is to find the one that best fits your company's goals.
During the conference, I was introduced to Dr. Fadi-Sonka, a gracious 70-year-old owner of a leadership institute in Nigeria. Fadi-Sonka, several others and I would spontaneously meet in the mornings over breakfast.
On the fourth day, Fadi-Sonka was sitting at the hotel's business computer obviously struggling to access his e-mail. I stepped up and asked if he needed help, he said yes and for the next 45 minutes we attempted to put him in touch with his wife and children.
That simple gesture of kindness led to the opening of a huge market for my services. Fadi-Sonka introduced me to the head of L&D of a major Nigerian company.
Since that introduction, I have enjoyed working with public dignitaries and private industry executives from Nigeria, providing custom programs that have allowed me to partner with several domestic professionals. Each project has been a blessing and an education in international commerce and cultural exchange.
My message is simple, plain common sense, especially if you are a service provider. Be kind to everyone no matter their station in life or their political or religious ideology, because you never know when a simple gesture of help will lead to your next major break.
Isn't that what leadership here in America is all about?
This story is a unique one, but it resonates throughout every aspect of marketing small businesses that thrive on building supportive relationships, which require nurturing. The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce offers a Netweaving (nurture marketing) workshop that promotes this same philosophy.
Be kind, supportive and recognize that not every effort has to be for your own gain. Your support for others will come back, maybe in an e-mail from Nigeria.
For more information, call (760) 889-0882 or visit www.gottall.com.