My Japanese is abysmal these days.
I only really remember how to say things like “hello”…
“I can’t speak Japanese very well” …
And… “You’re stupid!”…
(Of course… that insult was forever etched into my mind as a 14-year old!)
While visiting Japan for a high school language trip… we got to see a bit of history in places like Hiroshima…
Enjoy the thrills of the rides at Tokyo Disneyland…
And — of course — blow all our remaining yen on electronics gear at Akihabara.
Along the way I stayed with a host family in Kyoto.
We were told it was polite to bring them a gift from home.
And something with a New Zealand flavor was ideal.
So… I gave them a sheepskin.
Because…
There’s nothing that says “thanks for hosting me” quite like dead animal parts!
I did think it was a bit of a crap gift at the time. (Although it wasn’t particularly cheap.)
But the families? …
They were ECSTATIC!
Reason being…
Sheepskins weren’t so common in Japan at the time. Certainly not in the places I stayed. So it was a BIG deal.
And giving it made quite the impression. 😎
The families remembered the gift — and the giver.
Sorta like when we turn up and wow our own clients.
Not just doing the work. But going the extra mile. Or two. Or three.
Great service is what people remember.
Even if you’re new to the game. And aren’t the guru of your industry. Or the biggest player out there.
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クリス・ミルハム
(Chris Milham)