You've probably heard the expression "one little thing can make a big difference". To many of us most of the time, that phrase is just one of any number of overused platitudes that no longer mean anything to us. But like many time-tested aphorisms, that simple phrase contains deep insight. If we can pierce through the thick cloud of skepticism and excess, we begin to discover just how incredible the power of one is.
For example, if you could make just one more cold call every day; that is, to a random prospect you've never contacted before, you would chalk up 260 calls a year. How many extra sales could come out of that?
What about suggesting one more item to every customer? They may not buy it, but how do you know if you don't suggest it? It takes practically no extra effort.
Try applying this principle to other aspects of your life:
Set aside just one day per month for developing your skills. Attend a workshop maybe or read up on that tutorial for that new program. Most people, even if they think they know the importance of continuous upgrading, don't realize its value enough to actually do it. So that means you can quickly outpace your co-workers and competition.
And read one book every month. There's no need to be too ambitious - just read one. But read books related to your industry or that will provide insight to helping you improve your skill in a specific area.
Pause for one moment longer than usual before responding to a prospect's question or request. This silence usually makes people uncomfortable and they are more likely to blurt out something they had not planned on saying. This gives you more insight on the person as well as on the situation.
Get to the office one hour earlier than everyone else. You can probably achieve more in those 60 minutes than you could in several hours. When the people start coming in, the noises and the coffee breaks and the chats and the phone calls can be endlessly distracting.
Send out one more email a day to a potential customer. Very often, what people need is just a little push at the right time. This time today could be the time. The possibilities are endless - one more idea, one more thank you card, one more serving of fruit, one more endorsement or testimonial. It's just one more, but it could mean a ton of benefits.
Eugine Loh, 938Live, MediaCorp Pte Ltd
