How Being Creative, Courageous, Compassionate, and Kind Can Improve Your Cash Flow
Negotiate Prices, Save Money On Purchases, Improve Your Cash Flow
Photo by Caju Gomes on Unsplash
Have you ever been in a situation where you’re about to buy a big ticket item and are afraid to ask the sales or customer service person for a discount? Imagine learning how being creative, courageous, compassionate, and kind to others can improve your cash flow.
I recently purchased a new adventure motorcycle helmet. Over the last thirty years, riding adventure motorcycles has been one of my passions. The motorcycles can be pretty expensive, and so can the great protective and riding gear.
The replacement helmet cost for the model I owned or considered a reasonable replacement was between $750 and $1,000. Instead of doing what I’d typically done and buying the best gear my money could buy, I decided to shop at one other local motorcycle shop.
Unlike the prior motorcycle store, I’m not a regular customer at the second. I don’t know anyone’s name, but that never takes me long because one of the best ways to win friends and influence people is to know, remember, and use their name appropriately; not too much, not too little, just enough.
Once I found the helmet I wanted for less than $200, I walked to the register. When I first approached his desk, the parts dude was busy with another customer. His head was down, and it was easy to tell that he didn’t want to be distracted. He acknowledged I was waiting, and I smiled and waved approvingly.
When he was done, I returned to his desk, smiled, and asked, “Hi. How’s your day going so far?” He said, “Okay, you?” I said, “Great, thanks.”
I was smiling.
Little gestures like that can make a big difference. Then, I asked, “What’s your name?” “Boris,” he said. “You want that helmet?” I said, “Yes,” and handed it to him.
I’m still smiling.
Boris checks the helmet, looks at his computer, checks the price, and I ask, “Boris, what’s the chance that helmet is on sale today because all this inflation stuff is adding up?” Boris chuckles, barely. I’m quiet. He punches a few keys on the computer and says, “No, not today.”
I was still smiling.
After a long, easy pause while watching Boris work his keyboard magic, Boris says, “You know what. I can help you with this today. Let me see what I can do.”
I say, “Wow, Boris. That’s amazing. Thank you. That’s a huge help.”
I still smiled even though I didn’t know how much Boris could save me.
Boris continues to work the keyboard, and I ask him some questions about the helmet, weaving in how crazy inflation is. I ask him how it’s affecting him. He nods in agreement, “Inflation sucks for all of us.” Boris and I are bonding. The store is practically empty.
Finally, Boris says, “Okay, I took ten percent off for you. That’s the best I can do. It’s a great helmet. You’ll like it. My dad has one. He rides a Yamaha Tenere 700. Boris reads me the total. Smiling, I drop my credit card and sign the bill. Within a few minutes, I’m out the door.
In this example, being creative, courageous, compassionate, and kind to Boris saved me about $20. I was creative and courageous to ask for a break. I was genuinely compassionate and kind to Boris, beginning with knowing his name and engaging with him in his world.
The Power of a Smile and Being Kind
In closing, notice the constant smile I describe. The simple act of smiling reduces stress, improves relationships, improves health, and enhances attractiveness.
When we smile, our brain releases endorphins, chemicals that make us feel good and reduce stress. Overall, smiling has many positive effects on our mental and physical well-being, and it is a simple and effective way to improve our overall quality of life.
Beyond the power of smiling, now you know more about a creative way to improve your cash flow. Imagine being more creative, courageous, compassionate, and kind 10,000 times in the years ahead. I’m no math major, but I’m pretty sure $20 times 10,000 acts of compassion and kindness is $200,000 worth of savings to improve your cash flow.