By Spencer “The Catalyst“ Rubin
Build! Maintain! Grow! Thrive!
Just like the 3-Dog Night Song…1 IS THE LONLIEST NUMBER…I IS THE LONLIEST PRONOUN!
I = 1…and that = LONLEY!
LONLEY IN BUSINESS IS:
In communication and interactions with your staff, and more importantly with your customers, if you use I & ME…you might just be a trouble junky!
I remember my first interview in radio MANY years ago was with a gent (and radio icon) by the name of Dave McDonald. Dave is still around, many of you might know him. Dave Rocks!
In my interview, Dave asked a few questions, and I guess I used too many I’s and Me’s, because Dave firmly, yet politely interrupted me and said something like: “Excuse me, that’s great and all, but I want to know more about what you can do for me. I want to know how hiring you will help me & my radio station”
DOY! Panic! Shot in the gut…and best thing that ever happened to me in my early career. Dave did not hire me, and I never worked under him…but he did more for me with that simple statement than many other managers I did work for.
This all came back to me recently after reading a Seth Godin writing:
“I”, “We” and “You”
One of the most profound ways to change your posture and the way you and your organization interact with customers and partners is to change your pronouns.
Instead of saying “I” when you’re ready to take credit, try “we.”
Instead of saying “we” when you’re avoiding responsibility, try “I.”
And, every time you’re tempted to depersonalize the impact of your actions, try “you,” while looking the impacted person in the eye.
Words matter.
SO, if you are using too many I’s and ME’s, suck it up, stop it, and continually communicate with your team about this as well. They are after all, in contact with your clientele more than you are!
Be Great! Just Being Good, Kills Greatness!
Make It Easy For People To Do, And Keep Doing Business With You!
Look Up…And Surprise Someone!
Spencer Rubin is a Beaverton Resident with 3 kids attending local schools. With 23 years in the advertising and marketing Industry with AM1360-KUIK, Spencer has become a passionate advocate for the success of small, local business owners. This article has been adapted for the BRG from his weekly Catalyst newsletter.Questions? Contact Spencer at
971-732-4745 or spencer@kuik.com
The post Catalyst – The Newsletter: “1” is the Loneliest Number appeared first on Beaverton Resource Guide.
