What is the REAL value of adversty? The framework to outwit the devil. Part 3

As I prepared to write this blog post about adversity post my Dad health took a turn for the worst.  

I finished my schooling and then found myself in a near fatal car crash.

I have lost jobs, I thought I needed, and it was not till now that I understood the real value of adversity.

Bad things happen to good people all the time.

My car crash really forced me to change careers and restart my life. Being sick as a kid really delayed my progress.  Why did I need to go broke before finding my life's path?

As Napoleon Hill starts Outwitting the Devil he begins it by documenting his many failures and trials in the way to writing this book.

Why is it important that Napoleon shared his failures and his trails? 

The answer is:


Failure is a blessing in disguise.

I have made another discovery as the result of this

introduction to my "other self," namely, that there is a

solution for every legitimate problem, no matter how difficult

the problem may seem.

I have also discovered that there comes with every experi-

ence of temporary defeat, and every failure and every form of

adversity, the seed of an equivalent benefit.

Mind you, I did not say the full-blown flower of success,

but the seed from which that flower may be made to germi-

nate and grow. I know of no exception to this rule. The seed of

which I speak may not always be observed, but you may be sure

it is there, in one form or another.

These 3 paragraphs from Outwitting the Devil taught me something that 30 years of experience and schooling did not.

1. Every legitimate problem has a solution.
2. Temporary defeat, adversity, and failure offers a seed of equivalent benefit.
3. When I can identify these seeds and collect them I am learning from my experiences.
4. If I plant these seeds (the seeds are a metaphor) into the ground and nurture it I will receive the harvest of equivalent benift. 
5. Understanding this allows me to maximize life's lessons.

 Here are some lessons that adversity taught me.

1.  A challenge will test my resolve and help me discover how badly I want something. 
2. Adversity is often the quickest way to teach me something. 
3. There is a difference between temporary defeat and failure. 
4. Never to confuse the two.
5. Real failure is just life's way of teaching you something that doesn't work. Regroup and discover a better way. 
6. Discover the teaching moments in life. 
7. Forget about being wronged.
8. I have faith that that I will be allowed to reach my greatness.
9. Every time I am alined with my "Primary defining purpose" my life works better. 
10. My creator, the one I call God, wants me to get the most of the life he has given me.     

My life has given me a unique perspective on health, happiness, and maximizing life into old age. It is my primary defining purpose to share my knowledge with you. I want you to learn from my mistakes and have a better life.

Please visit www.michaelegerhealthcoach.com for Eager to be Healthy a Health and Happiness Podcast. You can also find this podcast on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, TuneIn Radio, and your Roku.

If you wish to work with me directly you can also find my contact info at www.michaelegerhealthcoach.com

THE COMPLAINING CUSTOMER: YOUR AMAZING HOLIDAY GIFT!

‘Tis the season to give and receive! A complaint from an unhappy constituent is probably NOT on your wish list during this holiday season. Yet the complaining customer is a huge gift, albeit a well disguised one, to you and to your business.


Here are five reasons why your complaining customer is a gift: 

1. One complaining customer is the tip of the iceberg, because for each one, there are 26 unhappy people who say nothing to you, but tell nine to fifteen others. And 13% of the 26 are each telling 20 others.  Conservatively, this could result in 313 negative comments about your business.

The person who complains to you is giving you the wonderful opportunity to address a problem. When you can eliminate the problem for that one, you improve your service for many, and reduce negativity.
 

2. When you respond respectfully and in a timely fashion to the complaining customer you have the opportunity to create a loyal fan. Even if it takes time to resolve the complaint, the customer will likely continue to use your company. When you are able to resolve the complaint satisfactorily and also quickly, the complaining customer is practically guaranteed to remain loyal.

 

Since it costs five to seven times more to replace a customer than it does to retain a customer, you have the opportunity to save money for your company.  

3.  Approximately 68% of the customers who leave a company do so because they feel they were not treated well. Their complaint offers you the opportunity to change that perception.

4.  A new prospect has a 5-20% likelihood of buying a product or service you are offering, compared to your existing customer’s 60–70% probability, so you create more profit by retaining a customer.

And, perhaps best of all...

5.  With each complaining customer you engage, you grow in experience, professionalism, value to your company~~~and self-esteem.

 A visit from a disgruntled customer may be your best gift this holiday season. Enjoy!

 
      Jeannie Newman is a speaker and coach, specializing in all aspects of Emotional Intelligence. Contact her for guided discussions, workshops, and seminars that feature theory and practical application of staff retention, customer retention, and related topics. She works with individuals, agencies, organizations, and corporations. She can be found at JZNAssociates.com, LinkedIn, or 860.794.4109.