On Being “Real”

This Shepard Letter can be put into the motivational and self-improvement file.

I had just finished a speech.  One of the audience members came up to talk to me.  He said that his group has been fortunate to get to hear a lot of speakers, but seldom does he get to meet the speaker.  He ended our conversation by saying, “Because I met you and shook your hand, I’ll always remember your speech.  It was real.”

He said it was real.  What did that mean?  Now, this wasn’t about me being some type of celebrity.  I’m just a business speaker.  I present the speech well and have relevant material, but what happens after the speech is what makes it “real.”  All I did was make myself available after the speech to answer questions and talk to anyone who wanted to.  Not a big deal, but it made an impact.  So, I’ve been thinking about what it is to be “real.”

As I think about my friends and colleagues who are successful, I see some commonalities between them.  They are approachable and available.  They have a bond with their customers and the people they work with.  They create a positive impact on others.  They are “real.”

Common Sense

The secrets to being “real” are common sense.  It takes some effort.  Care about what you do.  Be respectful to others.  Make yourself approachable and available.  Always be on time, even early.  Be enthusiastic about who you are and what you do.  Create positive impressions that are memorable and that garner respect, admiration and build confidence.

Most of all, recognize that every interaction you have is an opportunity to make a positive impact on others – an opportunity to be and make an experience “real.”

Shep Hyken is a customer service/CX expert, award-winning keynote speaker, and New York Times bestselling author. Learn more about Shep’s customer service and customer experience keynote speeches and his customer service training workshops at www.Hyken.com. Connect with Shep on LinkedIn.