As we look around at those we encounter, it’s easy to see the stark differences between us all. Yet, if you look closer, you’ll likely come to the same realization I have…we’re all the same. Our lives, experiences and heritage shape us all into unique individuals with different appearances, talents and interests, but at our core, we share the same common thread that both binds us together and persuades our behavior and actions. This article is an illustration of this point, and a confirmation of how important each and every one of us is the whole of us.
It’s funny ya’ know… I have had the privilege for some years of getting to tell stories and help people see their dreams come true and many times I get to do so from a platform. Because this seems to be a very high-profile position in many peoples’ eyes and people, therefore, assume everyone else is approaching me, I don’t hear often that I’ve made a difference. On a rare occasion someone will say, “I’m sure you know this…” or, “I’m sure people tell you this all the time,” but for the most part I don’t know if I’ve made that impact. Marcia has told me much over the years (thank you Marcia for seeing my need) that so-and-so really appreciated what I said, or this person or that just raved about my message or some other words passed on that really blessed me. But, again, I don’t hear it much from the masses. I do have that need though. I do need to know that I matter, that I’m appreciated and people really ‘see’ me. Now before you say, “Good grief! Is Donna begging for attention here or what?” let me make my point.
People are the same everywhere and I think sometimes we forget that. I write about myself and my life often, but I want to give you 2 other examples that are quite different from mine.
I’ve gone to L.A. several times to volunteer at the Dream Center in the inner city. We spend much of that time on Skid Row. For those of you who don’t know, this is a several block area of the city where the L.A. Police Department has determined the homeless should stay. They once made their colony under the bridge (you may have seen it on 60 Minutes) but for fear of an earthquake causing their death should the bridge collapse on them, they were relocated many years ago. We were given many instructions before going out. This was just one. “You can’t rely on eye contact with some of these folks. They are so used to looking at someone and the person purposely looking away that they no longer make eye contact. They can’t take the rejection anymore so they just shut down. Some of them haven’t had any human connection for weeks! Thus, because this is a basic human need, they retreat into themselves and become irritable, angry and almost scary—this is all a result of hurt from not having human validation. We realized very quickly that they LOVE to talk. They want to talk about their lives, their dreams, their drug addictions, whatever. They just love that another person is seeing their need, seeking to understand their hurt and meeting them where they are.
When I asked my son what made the biggest mark on him, he told me this. “You know Mom I do appreciate what I have after seeing what they have, or I should say what they don’t have. That’s obvious though. I remember watching a man climb into a dumpster and stand there digging as he went through bags and things in there to see what he could take out. But more than those things, what I realized is that these people just want friends.” I was so proud of my son at that moment I can’t even describe it to you.
So what do these 2 examples have to do with you? Glad you asked! Let’s talk about your customers AND your prospective customers. They have the same basic human need as you and I do, the same as the homeless. They desperately need human connection, some validation and appreciation. The homeless have dreams- and so do your prospective customers. You might not think those living in the streets still have dreams, but they do. They hurt when no one talks to them about those dreams. Their very being begins to dry up if they feel tomorrow holds no promise. They go through each day more and more convinced that no one cares about their pain. So do our prospective customers! Please decide to be committed to meeting their need. Please stop looking past them or pretending not to care and thinking you’re bothering them. Please realize that your fear of rejection from them is the very thing they need you to get passed so you WON’T actually reject THEM. They need us and they’re hoping we’ll reach out. Will you?
And your customers need validated just like the rest of us. I know life is busy and it can be easy to simply assume someone else is doing it, but like in my example it may not be happening. Are you telling them what a great job they’re doing, helping them with their struggles and appreciating all they’re accomplishing? Are you remembering and reminding them that you’re aware they could be a customer anywhere— yet they’re with you? Validate, appreciate and notice… please! Help others build their dreams! Make a difference. Let your life REALLY matter. Smile, assist, love.
I pray you’ll see the message here today and begin to really offer hope to your customers and prospects. I also suggest you do some volunteer work with needy populations, and you don’t even have to go all the way to L.A. to do it. Your life will forever be changed as you come face-to-face with the fact that, more than anything else, people just need people.
I appreciate you and all you are to this world. I think about this often, but have become very guilty of (just like with my homeless friends) not saying anything. I know you could believe in and follow lots of others in this big world and you’re here, wanting to learn from me. I thank you form the bottom of my heart for that. My dream is to spread hope and help people see their dreams come true. My hope lies in The Greatest Hope-Giver. God bless!!