Last week I wrote about a brief interaction with social media specialist and copywriter extraordinaire Sandi Krakowski that left me feeling energized and inspired. Skilled communicators have a knack for helping those around them feel special, and this is often achieved quickly—during a single shining moment of positive interaction.
In 2014 there were two additional social-media authorities that left an especially positive impression on me. During these brief moments, I witnessed first-hand a number of character qualities that I long to integrate into my own exchanges.
Jeff Goins
What can I say? I’m a huge Jeff Goins fan. I occasionally hear Jeff joke about his mission to take over the internet, and I don’t doubt this is true. Jeff has made it easy to stumble across his works online, and this is exactly how our interactions began. The story of my introduction to Jeff goes like this: I had wanted to publish a book for some time and came across a free recording Jeff did on self-publishing. The content was rich and jam-packed with useful information. By the end of the episode I thought to myself, Maybe… just maybe, self-publishing is something that I can do.
Soon, I found myself subscribed to Jeff’s e-mail list, and began receiving a plethora of helpful information a couple of times each week. I can honestly say that Jeff is someone who has added a ton of value to my life. And this is the first character quality of expert communicators that I would like to highlight.
Expert communicators add value to others and help them to succeed.
Because of the value received, I went on to purchase Jeff’s book and later, another writing product that he and his team produced. But, then a slight bump in the road occurred. One day, I discovered a writing product that was a better fit for me—this was not necessarily a better product, but it was a better fit for my writing style.
The good news is that the product I purchased had a 30 day trial period with a money-back guarantee. The bad news is that I was somewhere around day 35 in the process. In college I had a friend who’d often say, “It never hurts to ask.” and “Why not ask, the worst someone can do is say ‘no’.”
With that in mind, I decided to write a quick email and explain the situation. The next day I was delighted to discover that I had received a full refund.
This is what makes Jeff one of my communication heroes. Expert communicators add value to others. They treat their fans respectfully and seek to serve rather than be served. Jeff and his team went over, above, and beyond to help me reach my goals by supporting me in using a tool that best fit my individual style. Although Jeff lost a sale, he succeeded in creating a raving fan!
Not only do expert communicators add value to others and help them succeed, but they also seek to serve, and have the best interests of their followers at heart.
I have never met Jeff personally, although he did respond to one of my tweets once and “liked” a number of my posts on Facebook, but that’s as far as our interactions have gone. Yet, somehow, in these brief, shining moments, Jeff has not only managed to build trust, he has also left me with the impression that he has my best interest at heart.
As communicators it is important to remember that our messages, tools, and ideas will not always be the best fit for everyone—and this is okay. Yet, if we have integrity, continually add value to those we come in contact with, and genuinely seek to help our followers succeed, we will create raving fans!
With this in mind, is there an area where someone went over, above, and beyond what was required and left you with a lasting, positive impression? And, how about you personally—in what ways are you adding value, building trust, and helping your team to succeed? Finally, be sure to check back next week for the third and final segment of Lessons from the Experts.
Kirby Ingles says
Extraordinary! I’ve been following Jeff for some time and he has been a great influence for me. I’m so glad that you had a positive experience. Your experience with Jeff gives me more trust and confidence in his word and his efforts. Jed can you link us to the self publishing site and maybe the products that sparked your interest. Thanks for sharing.
Adam Smith says
Jeff is great. I admire how he pursued what he wanted and made it happen. He’s one of the best at what he does and offers tons of value. Genuinely seems like a great guy.
Jed Jurchenko says
Thanks Kirby and Absolutely!
– For self-publishing I use Create Space (www.createspace.com)–the publishing company associated with Amazon. They have a ton of excellent tools that make self-publishing a print book and an e-book straightforward and easy.
– I’ve especially enjoyed Jeff’s book You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One). Following the advice in the book played a huge part in getting my first book out.
– Currently I’m enjoying Jeff’s soon to be released book, The Art of Work. I was stoked to open my mailbox this week and discover that I had received an advanced reader’s copy. I’m about 90% through the book (As you can see, I’ve been getting through it quickly while my daughter sleeps) and can say that this is well worth the read. It’s an incredible tool for those seeking to discover their true calling.
– His podcast–The Portfolio Life–is also an excellent tool in providing both writing resources and motivation.
Reade Milner says
Great post, Jed. I’m a big fan of Jeff’s as well, so that’s really cool to see that side of him, beyond his public persona.
I’m a big believer that relationships create leverage, which is much more valuable than money, especially in the long term. He created a lot of personal leverage by making a raving fan out of you.
Jed Jurchenko says
Thanks Reade 🙂