I recently had the pleasure of reading 212◦ The Extra Degree by Sam Parker and Mac Anderson. Their inspiring and uplifting concept is built around the premise that just one solitary degree separates water from simply being hot to generating enough steam to power a train.
Take a minute to think about this. One degree could be what it takes for your community to separate from the competition. One degree could be what it takes for your individual performance to go from status quo to superstar. One degree could be what it takes to go from ordinary to extraordinary.
Think what would happen if everyone in your organization took their performance up one degree – making an extra effort in every task, action and endeavor they undertake. It could be as simple as:
- Remembering a prospect’s birthday or anniversary and acknowledging it.
- Going out of your way to check in with a resident who just moved in to ensure they’re settled and happy.
- Remembering certain treats a resident’s grandchildren like and having them on hand when they visit next.
- Making five extra prospecting calls a day.
- Calling or e-mailing photos to an adult child to let them know what their parent did that day.
It’s human nature to remember those small things, and those small things make you and your organization truly stand out – even be worth talking about to others. We promise it pays itself forward in a variety of ways.
At GlynnDevins, we’ve adopted this philosophy as part of our agency culture, and even award a one-degree recipient at our monthly agency meetings – just one more way we can salute those who continue to find unique and creative ways to turn up the heat.
So how will you take it up one degree today? We’d love to hear your examples.
As I walked through the aisles of another lively and informative AAHSA Convention, I was amazed at all the new gizmos and gadgets vendors were showcasing. Let’s be honest, there are a lot of great ideas out there, and I truly appreciate the passion with which the creators pitch them. But let’s not allow ourselves to get too caught up in the hype and excitement right off the bat. As with any new idea, it needs to be reviewed and evaluated with a critical eye to ensure the idea works for your situation, and ultimately has been tested and is based on results. There are great salespeople out there who can spin a magical web of allure and intrigue, but our job is to be forward-thinking and always open to new ideas, yet optimistically cautious and able to see through the smokescreen of pure selling to the true substance within.
I had the pleasure of recently visiting a community affiliated with and adjacent to a college campus and boy, did it take me back. College for me was a time of education, independence and evolvement, and you wouldn’t have to ask me twice to revisit that special time in my life ─ if only I knew to appreciate it as much then as I do now.
The beauty of this community is that residents can have somewhat of a “do over” every day ─ they have complete access to the university in much the same way as students do. They can attend lectures and sporting events, can take classes, can work out in the recreational facility, and receive discounts on food and at the bookstore. They are in many ways an extension of the student body ─ and on the flipside, many students see the retirement community as an opportunity for employment, as well as internship and volunteer opportunities. It is truly a win-win situation and the relationship will only continue to grow and expand.
Now, while your community may not be affiliated with a college or university, it certainly doesn’t hurt to find ways in which to embody that sense of campus life. I know as we drove around and took in the sights and sounds, I was filled with a sense of renewal, excitement and, most importantly, I felt younger. And after talking with some residents at this university-affiliated community, I know they do, too.
This is a profound question to ask yourself at the start of each day.
I read the following excerpt from Selling It Right by Michelle Correia Templin recently, and it struck me as a good reminder in terms of what we do (or should be doing) and whom we ultimately serve. It certainly provided me with a frank reminder in terms of better prioritizing my day:
“Think ‘customer first’ when prioritizing your day. As you plan your activities, determine which tasks will impact your customers the most … and then do them. Successful business people ─ especially those in sales ─ value their customers’ perspectives over their own. They don’t underestimate customer intelligence and they follow up with customers on a regular basis to make sure they stay connected … and stay of service. Do you?”
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day, and we all know we get pulled in a million different directions. As you walk out the door each evening, ask yourself: Did I do things today that really matter and helped advance relationships? Did I put my customers first? If the answer is yes, consider it a successful day and do it again tomorrow ─ the results will speak for themselves.
The greatest thing about my job is that the seniors we serve never cease to amaze me. Here is just one example of how an incredible group of superstars at a community we work with in Miami, Florida, found their way into the pages of People, one of the most-read celebrity gossip magazines today.
All it takes is a little luck, being ready at a moment’s notice, and being able to laugh at yourself.
South Florida Sun-Times July 1, 2010
Do you have residents who are willing to take a dramatic stance for your community? It might not be this extreme of a “situation,” but if you do, it will speak volumes about the environment and lifestyle you are providing.
I recently had the pleasure of reading 212◦ The Extra Degree by Sam Parker and Mac Anderson. Their inspiring and uplifting concept is built around the premise that just one solitary degree separates water from simply being hot to generating enough steam to power a train.
