こんにちは!
(Hello!)
It’s been a while since I spoke much Japanese.
I’m so rusty I only really remember how to say things like: “I can’t speak Japanese very well” and… “You’re stupid!”
あなたはバ…
Ahem… I mean…
あなたはクールです (You’re 😎)
There was a time when I could kinda say a few things… and vaguely make myself understood.
And when I visited Japan… was at least able to say “I need to use the bathroom” and the eminently important: “Your cat is cute!”
While there for a high school language trip… we got to see a bit of history in places like Hiroshima.
And — of course — blow all our remaining yen on electronics gear at Akihabara… and on a day at Tokyo Disneyland.
Along the way I stayed with a host family in Kyoto.
I brought them a gift from home — kinda the polite thing to do.
We were told that something with a New Zealand flavor would be ideal.
So… I crammed a sheepskin into my already bursting-at-the-seams suitcase.
Because:
There’s nothing quite like presenting dead animal parts to make people warm to their new house guest!
At the time… 15 year old me thought it was a bit of a crap gift. Although it wasn’t particularly cheap.
But the families? They were overwhelmed.
You see… 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 this really made an impression.
The families remembered the wonderful gift — and the giver.
Sorta like when freelancers turn up and work for clients.
But not just do the work… they go the extra mile. Or two. Or three.
Sure, you don’t have to. And no one’s paying any extra. But…
People notice this. People remember this.
It’s one thing that clients will rave about in testimonials.
And potential clients who read these can get a sense you’re not just in it for the pay check… but really have a focus on caring for them and their business.
The more you stick in their minds like this… the more likely they are to pass your name on to people they know who need your help.
And the more likely they’ll gladly say “yes” when… after the project is complete… you ask them to refer you to 5 other people in their industry.
Great service is what people rememeber.
If you’ve not niched down or you’re in a commodity market… where there’s thousands of people selling the same kind of things… giving superior service is one area where you can stand out by a mile.
So… go knock their socks off!
クリス・ミルハム
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Chris Milham