service-beyond-self

The actor, writer, and director Woody Allen once said, _80% of success is just showing up!_ You Can Show Up By . . . _ Participating._ Sharing ideas._ Being dependable._ Keeping your word._ Taking the initiative. _ Volunteering to be of assistance._ Being there when a friend needs you._ Raising your hand and asking questions._ Attending your children__ sporting events._ Taking your place and claiming your space._ Demonstrating that you have something to offer.

Just Show Up. Guess what? Being in the right place at the right time can__ happen without your first showing up. Companies have been started, marriages made, friendships found, careers created, and opportunities seized by those people who just showed up. Whether through coincidence, serendipity, strategy, or fate, taking the initiative to show up will reward you in ways which never would have occurred if you hadn__. Just by showing up, you have taken a proactive step to impress people by being there" in person_ and demonstrating your willingness to be involved.

Imagine how many new friends you would make, how much new business you could create, and how much fun you could have by simply taking the initiative to be the inviter.

Initiative is The Start of All Good Things. Your ship will never come in if you don__ send any out. Have you ever found yourself dreaming, hoping, and waiting passively for things to change or for your life to get better?

Service Beyond Self is Essential for Success Because It . . ._ Builds credibility, trust, and customer satisfaction._ Strengthens your personal reputation and public image._ Fosters goodwill and makes people feel appreciated._ Helps you build healthy relationships with others._ Nurtures collaboration, participation, and cooperation._ Reaffirms a continuity of service for quality assurance, integrity, and reliability. _ Saves money__t costs less to keep existing customers than it does to create new ones. When you do it right the first time, you don__ have to fix it the next time._ Improves communication and builds rapport._ Fosters mutual respect and understanding_ By providing other people with what they want, you will get more of what you want!

Introduce Yourself. Being confident and outgoing will empower you to approach new people who might be reluctant to take the first step. It is amazing how many people we come in contact with yet pass like ships in the night without any engagement or connection.

The road to hell_ (in the metaphorical sense, of course), occurs when the people who have good intentions fail to act, follow-through, or live up to their promises, all of which creates stress, frustration, and disappointment. People can be earnest and well-meaning, but their words become hollow when actions do not follow their words. By setting good intentions and taking deliberate action to back intentions up, you can transform your results.

Begin to take the initiative when you want to meet someone new. Be the one who steps forward first. Simply say hello and begin a conversation.

Years ago, my childhood friend Steve lost his father. Since Steve had left Tallahassee shortly after high school graduation, we had not seen each other for over a decade. Upon learning of his father__ funeral, I made plans to attend to "be there." After the service, I approached the family__ receiving line. When Steve saw me, he was stunned that I had made the effort to be there for him. We both cried as we hugged and he said, __ can__ tell you what it means to me that you showed up._ Showing up sends a message that you are a devoted friend, a team player, a dedicated parent, an inspiring leader, a loyal mate, and more.