Go the extra mile with a “Jaw Dropper”

Posted: May 1, 2020 | Categories: Sales, Self-Improvement

About 15 years ago I was working for a company with a close-knit staff of about 25.  On one bittersweet day, we had a surprise going away party for a departing co-worker who had been part of the team for many years.  Tom was loved by his teammates, and we wanted to show our appreciation in a special way.

Tom was an active baseball player and loved the game.  We decided to buy him a mitt that was signed by each of us.  Because the mitt was a memento and likely would never be used, you would think we would have bought an inexpensive one.  No.  We bought a Wilson A-2000.  This is one of the most common choices of Major League pitchers, and they are predictably expensive.  Tom was overwhelmed and became very emotional.  Later he shared that his joy went way beyond the signed mitt.  It meant a lot that we thought that much of him.  What we did is called a “jaw-dropper”, and when we do things like this, they strengthen relationships and are never forgotten.

Due to the Corona Virus crisis, many of us are finding that we have extra time on our hands.  Here’s one way we can use this time wisely.  Deepen our relationships with a “jaw-dropper”.  Here are a couple other examples to get your creativity going:

My birthday was last Tuesday, and two of the cards I received were hand made.  Much time and thought had been put in to both cards.  In one case, the person had included pictures they had uncovered from my high school and college yearbooks.   Most important, each card had a touching personal note saying how much they valued me as a life-long friend.  At 71, getting something like that is truly a “jaw-dropper”

Think of a relationship you have that you value highly.  Why are they so important?  What is something that you could say or do for them that radiates your thoughts with an exclamation point?  Go for the “jaw-dropper’!

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