The Game Changing “Mile Mentality”
When someone gives you an inch, take a mile, and then give a mile back.
Even though I’m a closet procrastinator,I take great pride in delivering my best work. My goal is to provide valuable content; work that is inventive & distinctive, delivering a service that has the recipient saying “Wow, I’m glad I chose YOU.” There are a lot of fishes in the sea, so I want to be prepared, reliable, and efficient.
So, let’s turn this around.
Today I want to touch on a few key factors that not only help your customers get the best out of you… but how YOU can foster a relationship that helps YOU benefit from THEM as well.
Think of a moment, let’s say, in your office at work, where you go out of your way to do something extra. Something you know will not be seen or heard, may never be noticed at all, but YOU know that by doing it, the world is a bit better off. Maybe it’s doing the dishes when everyone has gone home. Maybe it’s going out of your way to do a little more research than you have to for a presentation. Maybe it’s taking extra time with a patient, customer, or client when you know you won’t be paid more. Maybe it’s checking in with your supervisor on your own accord. Maybe it’s taking someone else’s shift. There are always these little moments where you aren’t doing the good for clout, karma, or promotion. You have that thought, “you know what, this miniscule effort will probably not be noticed or appreciated, but it’s the right thing to do, it’s the best thing to do, so I’m going to do it.” And, you may think you know where I’m going with this… oh, in the end, this will benefit you! Nope! Many times, those actions will be lost and swept away, like dust.
This is about a mentality.
A mentality that is constantly going the extra mile.
Throughout the course of our life, we’ll have times where we are up OR down on our luck.
Times where everything comes together… times where everything falls apart.The natural ebb and flow, you know? BUT, we can choose how we respond to adversity. If we were already in that forward-thinking, do-the-most-with-a-little head space, I truly believe that it can change the whole game.
You’ve heard it said “you gave em an inch and they took a mile.”
It has a bit of a negative connotation, right? Yeah.
No one likes to be taken advantage of! Well, suppose someone gives you an inch, and you give a mile… then take a mile back? A cordial exchange, of course. Nothing forceful.
This is how I run the game:
If a brand reaches out to me asking for 3 photos & 1 post, but I LOVE the brand… I might give them a whole photoshoot, 2 posts, an unboxing, and a review. They typically end up sending more product, paying more, and wanting to continue the relationship.
In a given photoshoot, it’s rare that I confine people by time, outfits, locations, poses, etc. I let the flow happen and I try not to take advantage of them by being super persnickety. SOMETIMES and I mean RARELY, I’ll get taken advantage of… but I’d say 99/100 times, it works out in my favor.
If I’m planning an event, I’ll try to go out of my way to get the best price, even when I’m not spending my own money. I want to be a steward of other’s resources as well. I also want to throw events that I, myself, would be stoked to attend… (even if it takes more time & effort.)
So what’s the Game Changing Mile Mentality?
Take that inch, give that mile.
Go the extra mile.
Go the distance.
There’s nothing wrong with “getting what’s yours.” Just try not to be a cheapskate.
Be thorough. Be “all in.” Be present.
BE EXTRA.
You've got your foot in the door, now go in and join the party!
Xo
Chels
