A Million Dollar Lesson 

  by : Petey Parker

A cab driver taught me a million dollar lesson in customer satisfaction and expectation. Motivational speakers charge thousands of dollars to impart his kind of training to corporate executives and staff. It cost me a $12 taxi ride.

I had flown into Dallas for the sole purpose of calling on a client. Time was of the essence and my plan included a quick turnaround trip from and back to the airport. A spotless cab pulled up.

The driver rushed to open the passenger door for me and made sure I was comfortably seated before he closed the door. As he got in the driver’s seat, he mentioned that the neatly folded Wall Street Journal next to me for my use. He then showed me several tapes and asked me what type of music I would enjoy.

Well! I looked around for a “Candid Camera!” Wouldn’t you? I could not believe the service I was receiving! I took the opportunity to say, “Obviously you take great pride in your work. You must have a story to tell.”

“You bet,” he replied, “I used to be in Corporate America. But I got tired of thinking my best would never be good enough. I decided to find my niche in life where I could feel proud of being the best I could be.

 I knew I would never be a rocket scientist, but I love driving cars, being of service and feeling like I have done a full day’s work and done it well. I evaluate my personal assets and… wham! I became a cab driver.

One thing I know for sure, to be good in my business I could simply just meet the expectations of my passengers. But, to be GREAT in my business, I have to EXCEED the customer’s expectations! I like both the sound and the return of being ‘great’ better than just getting by on ‘average’”

Did I tip him big time? You bet! Corporate America’s loss is the traveling folk’s friend!
—–
Lessons:

• Go an Extra Mile when providing  any Service to others.

• The is no good or bad job. You can make any job good.

• Good service always brings good return.

You don’t actually have to take the quiz. Just read straight through, and you’ll get the point, an awesome one. …..

Take this quiz:
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor actress.
6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.
How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are
no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields.
But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten.
Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel, appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you. Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not
the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
Pass this on to those people who have made a difference in your life.
 

BELIEVE

A birth certificate shows that we were born; a
death certificate shows that we died; pictures show that we lived!
Have a seat . Relax. And read this slowly.

I believe - That just because two people argue,
it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other. And just because they don’t
argue, it doesn’t mean they do.

I believe - That we don’t have to change friends
if we understand that friends change.

I believe - That no matter how good a friend is,
they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive
them for that.

I believe - That true friendship continues to
grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I believe - That you can do something in an
instant that will give you heartache for life.

I believe - That it’s taking me a long time to
become the person I want to be.

I believe - That you should always leave loved
ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I believe - That you can keep going long after
you think you can’t.

I believe - That we are responsible for what we
do, no matter how we feel.

I believe - That either you control your
attitude or it controls you.

I believe - That heroes are the people who do
what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the
consequences.

I believe - That money is a lousy way of keeping
score.

I believe - That sometimes the people you expect
to kick you when you’re down will be the ones to help you get back up.


I believe - That sometimes when I’m angry I have
the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.


I believe - That maturity has more to do with
what types of experiences you’ve had and what you’ve learned from them
and less to do with how many birthdays you’ve celebrated.

I believe - That it isn’t always enough to be
forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe - That no matter how bad your heart is
broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief.

I believe - That our background and
circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for
who we become.

I believe - Two people can look at the exact
same thing and see something totally different.

I believe - That your life can be changed in a
matter of hours by people who don’t even know you.

I believe - That even when you think you have no
more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the
strength to help.

I believe - That credentials on the wall do not
make you a decent human being.

I believe - That the people you care about most
in life are taken from you too soon.

I believe - That you should send this to all of
the people that you believe in. I just did. The happiest people don’t
necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of
everything they have. “The will of God will never take you where the
Grace of God will not protect you.”


Every action you take is a seed you sow, and every seed
You sow is a harvest you’ll reap.


God Bless you and have a great day!


Today I pray your troubles be less,
May your blessings be more,
and May nothing but happiness
come through your door!!