Beyond Transactions: The Power of Gratitude and Human Connections in Business
David Daigle
Fractional CMO & Digital Transformation Expert | Helping Family Businesses Scale with AI, Automation & Growth Marketing
With everyone working remotely, staring at a screen for 1/3 of their day and where digital transactions and virtual communications have become the norm, the essence of business - the human connection - often gets overlooked.
This week, I found myself in two separate sales calls on behalf of Wingman DX with prospects who, within the first few minutes, I realized were not in a position to purchase my services. However, instead of ending the calls, I chose to provide value and guidance. This decision led to an unexpected outcome: expressions of gratitude that reminded me of a fundamental business truth - people buy from people, not businesses.
The Importance of Gratitude in Business
Gratitude in business is more than just a courteous thank-you; it's a powerful tool for building relationships. In a world obsessed with metrics and conversions, genuine expressions of thanks stand out, fostering a culture of appreciation and respect. Gratitude lays the foundation for trust and loyalty, which are crucial for long-term business success. As Harvard Business Review suggests, "The thank-you is the most powerful form of currency in business," underscoring the impact of gratitude on professional relationships.
Going the Extra Mile: A Strategy, Not a Choice
The philosophy of going the extra mile isn't just a strategy; it's a commitment to excellence and generosity that can set a business apart. I learned ages ago the concept of A-B-C-D: Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.
In my case, providing free advice to prospects with no immediate return was an investment in the relationship, not the transaction. This approach led to follow-up emails thanking me for my time and effort, and remarkably, a 5-star review on my Google Business Profile from an individual who hadn't even become a client yet. Jason's GBP review:
"David was knowledgeable, courteous, and extremely helpful. He clearly cares about those who engage with him, no matter how big or small the conversation."
These actions highlight the unexpected benefits of exceeding expectations and the lasting impressions they can leave.
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People Buy from People: The Essence of Personal Connection
At the heart of every business transaction is a personal interaction. The principle that "people buy from people" underscores the significance of personal connections in business. It's these connections that often determine the success of business dealings. My experiences from the sales calls are testament to this. Despite not making a sale, the personal connection made was strong enough to inspire gratitude and public praise. This human aspect of business is what fosters genuine relationships and, ultimately, drives success.
Implementing a People-First Approach in Your Business
Adopting a people-first approach requires more than just intention; it necessitates actionable steps to ensure that personal connections are at the forefront of business interactions. This can be achieved through empathetic communication, active listening, and a genuine interest in the needs and challenges of clients. Encouraging a company culture that celebrates and rewards these behaviors can transform transactional interactions into meaningful relationships.
Conclusion
The acts of gratitude, going the extra mile, and fostering personal connections in business are not just niceties but necessities for those looking to build lasting and successful professional relationships. This week's experiences reminded me that behind every business inquiry is a person seeking understanding, assistance, and connection. By prioritizing these human elements, we not only enhance our business prospects but also enrich our professional lives with meaningful interactions and relationships.
Call to Action
This article serves as a reminder and a call to action for professionals across industries to re-embrace the human aspects of business. By doing so, we not only achieve professional success but also contribute to a more connected and empathetic business community.
I invite you to share your experiences with gratitude and personal connections in the business world. How have these elements influenced your professional journey? Let's connect and continue this important conversation in the comments below.
#GratitudeInBusiness #BeyondTransactions #HumanConnections #CustomerExperience #BusinessEthics #Leadership #Networking #PersonalTouch #ProfessionalDevelopment #CustomerServiceExcellence
Director, Sales and Business Development︱I LOVE Cold Calling︱AI Evangelist︱Executional Strategist︱Solutions Architect︱Technology & Science
1 年Excellent article, David Daigle. What I have learned from my career in business development and sales is that it is critical to follow the K-L-T model = know, like, trust. This is accomplished through developing authentic relationships, which are foundational to our human existence. The underpinning of sales is to always be in service, regardless of monetary exchange, and to provide the highest value in whatever form that takes. This has always been my position and served me well.
Digital Nomad I Architect of Encounters I Developer of People and Things
1 年David, as you are always so kind and so generous, this is wonderful to read. You deserve gratitude.
Career Transformation Coach
1 年Well said David!
CMO l Growth Strategist I Founder + Chief Strategist at Ray Strategic Marketing Ltd.
1 年100% agree David. Thanks for continuing to be a giver and building that trust within our industry. For those who don't know, David took the time to help and generously shared his insights with me when I was six months into my company. Continue to be grateful to have met you!
AI Educator | Talk about AI, SaaS, Growth | Making AI & ChatGPT Learning Accessible and Enjoyable with a Personal Touch
1 年Couldn't agree more! Building relationships and providing value is key to long-term success in business.