Last month while attending URG, you probably heard Michael Clay, the speaker that did a presentation on how to use social media correctly to make money. There aren’t many guru’s comparable to Mike because he’s an expert in SEO, “on-web” design, and digital marketing plans. Others may feel they measure up to his ability…but they really don’t. As usual, when Mike and I meet at conventions, we go to dinner. Glad to see each other again, we talk about family and business. The conversation shifted as someone walked by our table. “You smile at everyone, whether you know them or not,” Mike said. I confirmed his comment. It’s a habit. I told Mike that I learned that technique from Denis Waitly, the famous personal development speaker. (Who by the way, died a few years back from cancer).
As I started to answer, I acknowledged his statement as fact while explaining the parallel between attitude towards strangers and my overall level of happiness. In other words, it’s unusual to find a happy person who walks around with their head down, frowning and looking away from people. You know the type and have seen them every day. It doesn’t make sense that those people could be secretively, joyful, and still manage to hide it from the public.
I’m not suggesting it’s better to be outgoing than introverted. Not at all. Nor am I saying that you need to expend tons of extra energy trying to brighten the day of others or that you should pretend to be friendly when you’re shy or don’t really feel like being friendly. No one appreciates a disingenuous person.
It’s my desire that you see strangers as being a little more like you and that you should treat them not only with kindness and respect but with smiles and eye contact as well. An adage applies here. Treat people like you want to be treated. I can still hear my mom saying that to me. If you adopt the smile and eye contact approach when meeting others, you’ll probably notice some nice changes in yourself. You’ll begin to see that most people are just like you. Most of them have similar issues. They love their families but may be experiencing troubles, concerns, likes, or dislikes and may have some overwhelming fears. You’ll also notice how nice grateful people can be when you are the first one to reach out to them. Most people are doing the best they know how with the circumstances they’ve been dealt.
Personally, when I smile at someone, I feel an inner peace or happiness which in turns makes me even happier. Just so you’ll know now, at the next Auto Recyclers Northeast Education and Exposition, being held in Albany, New York, I will be addressing this issue. If you live in Northern New Jersey, New York, or the surrounding area, then you need to attend the next Northeast Education and Exposition coming up September 26th – 28th, 2019. I will be digging into the benefits of your smile and how it can affect you and others whether with your business team or family members.
Those of you living near Indianapolis, Indiana need to mark your calendar now to be at the ARI Presents, the Tri-state Summit & Expo. Those dates are August 16th – 17th, 2019. The Automotive Recyclers of Indiana are inviting all the Recyclers from Ohio and Kentucky to their 1st Annual Tri-State. Mark these two dates on your calendar. If you want to improve your bottom line, come for the fellowship but also attend for the training. Both conventions will have expanded education and training topics for all levels of auto recyclers.
For more details, go to www.indianaautorecyclers.com and for the largest trade show in the Northeast, up in Albany, New York with ARNE, go to www.arany.com. That’s on September 26th-28th. Yes, I will be attending both shows. I hope to see you there.
Remember, 7 muscles to smile 28 muscles to frown. Don’t be caught working overtime. When you go to these two conferences you WILL smile. See you next time.
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D.J. Says, 2820 Andover Way, Woodstock, GA 30189
D. J. Harrington is an author, journalist, seminar leader, international trainer, and marketing consultant. He works primarily with customer service personnel, and his clients include such world-class companies as General Motors, DuPont, Caterpillar, and Damon Corporation. He may be reached at 800-352-5252. E-mail: dj@djsays.com. 52 weeks a year, we are as close as your telephone.