Over the week or so, I have seen various articles about a man in Detroit, Michigan–56 year old James Robertson, that has had to walk 21 miles to work each day. I’m sure you are likely already hearing the story on the news and social media. A 19 year old teenager, Evan Leedy set up a GoFundMe campaign, and has so far raised over $140,000 for this man. Incredible, right?! The dedication it takes to get up each day and face your battles, walking that far to work, rain or shine, cold or snow, wind or no wind. Detroit is not Miami–it is a Northern city in the US that has it’s fair share of weather variety.
The kindness of this young man to recognize someone in need is simply astounding. The people that have donated to the cause–also very kind, and caring. It’s good stories like this that remind you that there is good in everyone–and everyone is tied to something, and we are all more connected than we realize. Nearly every comment I read on these stories online has been positive, and people seem uplifted by the kindness bestowed upon this man. How many years did this man continue walking to work, without giving others too much information about his unique problems?Someone seemingly finally paid attention and took the time to ask more questions–uncovering a man in need, and rallying to get people to help. Whether or not you agree with the outcome, I personally think it is a great story.
This story is a prime example of listening to people and identifying needs, and identifying when people need help. Sometimes they may not even ask, but it’s important to pay attention.
Anyways–great story, right?
How can we tie this into the business realm? Well–not exactly in a direct sense, unless of course some sort of business entity donates a car or other product to James in an effort to help him and demonstrate the kindness of their brand. If we all simply stayed more tuned in to everyday life, watching out for each other, and considering all of the battles everyone is facing–we are bound to start connecting more and creating more positive relationships. I can think of this applying to almost anything you experience in a given day. Think about in traffic if someone suddenly cuts you off. Your instinct is to zoom around them and give them a dirty look. What happens if that person ends up being your neighbor, friend, relative, co-worker, etc? You feel embarrassed and say–well, things happen, I shouldn’t have reacted like that. Imagine seeing them afterwards and having to explain why you nearly made the evening news with your small stint in demonstrating road rage? Embarrassing right? Unsafe and illegal also!
My point with all of this is simply this. Everyone is on their way someplace, whether it be a business, a school, an emergency, a leisure event–anything. If all of these same people were in a meeting room at the same time, dressed equally professionally as to not pass judgement on any given individual, the objective would be to meet them and learn nearly everything about them–all while assessing each others needs and goals to see how you can help each other. It’s all about bridging the gap and making connections. Connections and relationships are what grow and prosper in all senses-business included. When people trust you to help them, the business connections will last much longer. People will often pay more for quality product and quality service. This translates directly to being a good person, a good company, and listening to needs and responding to them. Too many companies just collect a check and move on–trying to get more and more business as if it is solely a numbers game. While sales can often be a ‘game’ of numbers for closing purposes, it is still important to treat everyone the same so that the early adopters and early customers will stick with you for years to come. Listen to people, pay attention, be kind, be less reactive, and appreciate those that have given you chances and adopted your business objectives. Keeping all of these angles in check will surely help your business goals in the long run, and at the end of the day, you also will likely feel good about everything you are doing.
At Prospectr Marketing, we treat each client like we both need each other, and we use our family oriented approach in all realms of the business. Our team is in fact like a family, and we work to make sure we are always there for you. We can all go home at the end of each day, knowing that we have delivered results with purpose and drive.
Update: From the time I started writing this last week, until now, over $300,000 has now been raised–and a new car given from Ford. WOW!
Bo Cole
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