THE OTHER DAY I caught someone in a lie. It was a little lie, a white lie they call it.
Here’s the definition of a white lie from the Urban Dictionary: “A minor, polite or harmless lie. A white lie can be excused because it doesn’t cause great harm.”
And this is where the slippery slope begins!
What do you believe about lying? Is it totally wrong? Or are little white lies OK since they don’t cause great harm? And what is harm, anyway?
How do you feel about your customers and clients telling you little white lies? Like: “I’m not really looking.” Really? They called or came in, right? Apparently they are at least looking …
Or what about us? If we leave out something that affects someone’s decision, is that harmless?
An example would be a little white lie that there is only a limited number of something, when in reality there are plenty more.
There is a belief that people are not honest when they deal with others, that most people are focused on themselves, on getting the best deal for their needs.
Though there is truth mixed in with most things, today I want you to really think about what you believe about your clients and customers.
The reason is, if we believe buyers are liars, then that will affect how we treat them. With suspicion, with uncertainty and with our guard up.
Shakespeare once wrote, “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.”
And so it is with people.
What if we chose to believe, “People are neither good or bad, but thinking makes it so”?
What if we decided, right this minute, that:
- All my customers are special.
- All my clients want attention and guidance, and I know how to deliver it.
- All of those who inquire about my business and services are looking for what I offer.
- People are generally good.
- Pets are the best thing about life (I know you believe this already!).
The bottom line really is: What do you believe about your customers? Answering that truthfully and determining that you will, from this point on, believe only the best will made a profound difference in your results.
If you already have this positive belief, ask yourself whether you are sharing it enough with your team and community. If not, there’s your action plan for this month!
I believe in you!