Screwing It Up And Redemption… (Not About What You Think)
Do you remember this: June 27, 1995. Actor Hugh Grant is arrested for getting caught with a hooker.
Didn’t think so.
His mug shot spoke volumes; but just one word could sum it up: humiliation.
This is what Grant DIDN’T do:
1. Pretend it didn’t happen
2. Duck and cover – go into hiding
3. Lie
Most people try to weasel out of their mistakes. They have an entire dictionary of ‘weasel-words’ to minimize their ‘transgression’ (isn’t that a great word?). And if all else fails: Deny, deny, deny.
It’s real tempting to go that route … it seems like the easiest path to take.
It’s not. THIS is the road to redemption…
Repeat these words: “OK, I screwed up. Something’s gone horribly wrong, and it’s all my fault.
It’s works nearly every time.
In Grant’s case, he went on the talk show circuit. He told Jay Leno, “I did a bad thing.”
None of that, “I was just giving her a ride home” cover story.
Here’s the marketing lesson:
People want to do business with people they like and trust. Real people. Just like themselves. People that sometimes screw up. Yep… it really is all about relationships.
So, don’t be afraid to admit when you mess up. Don’t hesitate to show some of your weaknesses. It’s actually very disarming. It also tends to shorten peoples memories.
It worked for Hugh Grant. A month later his career was on track and on fire again. And he’s never looked back.
Do you want ’screw up’ insurance? A client newsletter will create the relationship needed to weather any storm YOU create in your business.
How you ask?
Use your customer newsletter to let your customer s ‘in’. Talk about what’s happening in your life. Over time, they WILL feel like they know you.
And when (not if) you screw up, they will be much more inclined to forgive and forget.
So throw out your weasel word dictionary. Just ‘fess up when you need to.
Ya listening, Mr. Woods?
Let’s get to work,
- David Gruttadaurio
“The Print Newsletter Expert”
PS: Let me send you three samples of Exceptional Living print newsletter – totally free-ola! Click here and tell me where to send them.
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