"You Have to Come to My House"

Relationship.

Varied connections exist between all of us.  We can relate as a friend, relative, parent, acquaintance, co-worker, colleague, employee, customer, client, and more.  Once upon a time, I heard a very down-to-earth analogy to help understand some of these personal relationships.

Here's how it goes.  You have various people in your life.  Some are Sidewalk People.  Some are Porch People.  Some are Living Room People.  And some, very few, are Refrigerator People.  Huh?

© Wavebreakmedia Ltd | Dreamstime.com -
Smiling brunette holding milk bottle with open refrigerator

I'll let you ponder what each of these situational definitions might mean to you.  But let's just say that "Refrigerator People" are those individuals who are quite comfortable reaching into your refrigerator, removing and consuming anything they want without so much as a "May I?".  Of course, since relationship is bi-directional, you wouldn't blink an eye at this activity.  You might not even notice.

I'm not saying it should be a goal to collect Refrigerator People in the same way some accumulate Facebook Likes.  Refrigerator People, by definition, are centermost of our inner circles.

All of this is pretty clear when we're exploring personal relationships. But today, I'm reflecting on our business relationships.  I'm certainly not expecting any customers/clients to become Refrigerator People, but perhaps we can elevate our customers from Sidewalk to Porch People.

I'm told that when marketing, selling or providing services to customers and clients, we should always be true to our story.  The story, our story, must provide a demonstrable snapshot of understanding and identification which is completely in line with customer needs. Being true means that every individual in every corporate department believes in and is part of this story - every day.

Our story tells of a company who is in lock-step with the customer as we diligently work to make life better for them and for their customers.

Our story tells of a culture willing to admit mistakes while working harder and smarter to make our customer a focal point of company investments in time, resources and energy.

Our story tells of a company who isn't looking for short term gain, but long term relationship.

The British Airways video is only about 6 minutes long.  It seems pretty evident that the Company is and has been investing in a long term relationship with the people it serves in India.  That story is evident as this flight attendant serves others on the front-lines.

This is where a customer can see and feel the true story of who we are as a company - as a committed group of individuals.  It isn't a glossy brochure and it isn't a slogan or even a mission statement.  It's those face-to-face interactions that create long term relationships.

British Airways "Fueled By Love"

"Go, therefore and make Refrigerator People of all" is certainly not a quote that I've seen before but;

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.  Hebrews 6:10



Thanks to A Learning A Day for the inspiration!