CHANCE ENCOUNTERS

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     Last week I spent a delightful evening with friends.  Our conversation was about the chance encounters we have in Life with others and how they blossom into overlapping networks of people who have “chance” encounters with people already connected by chance.

     It has been mind boggling to notice how this occurs.  Remarkably, one friend made reference to the famous quote about commitment that I wrote about a few weeks ago – only this person hadn’t read that blog.  Yes, these connections are the kind of things that are referred to by W. H. Murray, “…all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way,” as he described what is born out of commitment.

     I invite you to notice where chance encounters have occurred this year and how they are blossoming in ways that you would have never expected.  Perhaps, some chance encounter from years ago has found a way to overlap with someone or some experience currently.

     As we find ourselves in a season of thanksgiving, hope, reflection, and assessing our lives for goal setting for the New Year, take time to reflect on the chance occurrences you have taken for granted and welcome their gifts with thanks.

© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010

BUSINESS SHORT-SIGHTEDNESS

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     Today I had an interesting interaction with a local business that I have been waiting for some time to come and complete necessary repairs.  As has been customary, it has been put off for yet another week with the usual response, “It’s a small job, we’ll get to it,” says the business owner.

     It is an odd way to do business.  I would think that upon first contact, my name would go on a client work schedule and that within minor delay and juggling of workload, I would be assigned a date.

     What I suspect is that as orders come in for “bigger” jobs, I keep being placed to the back of the list.  Is this greed?  Is it a case of taking customer business for granted?

     I think it is taking one’s reputation for granted.  Your business is only as good as the report of each customer – large or small in order.  It only takes one…and then another one, and another one to turn a thriving business around to one that has few customers.

     It surprises me to see how many smaller businesses lack common sense actions and amenities to keep a customer coming back:  Namely, saying “thank-you” for your business at the end of a transaction.  That came to my mind yesterday in NYC as I exited a restaurant.  The hostess stood at the door wiping the glass and paused silently to let me exit.  I am not rushing to get back there any time in the near future.  “Thank you for coming”, or, “I hope you enjoyed your meal”, might have offset the mediocre meal I had. 

     I have supported many individual entrepreneurs over the years with repeat business and sometimes with business referrals and endorsements, as well.  Yet, it amazes me, how many have not returned the favor in supporting me with a one-time purchase of my product.  It makes me wonder, are they even aware?  Do they appreciate customer support?  While there is no obligation, it would seem that if someone has helped to sustain your business repeatedly, wouldn’t you want to help that customer succeed at his/her endeavor, or community activity for which something like a donation, sponsorship, or ad is requested?

     As we look to ways to solve the economic crisis, business-community partnerships, business excellence and community support of local businesses are key factors.  As people try to figure out ways to sustain themselves from lay-offs, budding entrepreneurs need our support, as well.

     I am happy to support the local businesses of my community provided I feel their pursuit of customer satisfaction and excellence are how they go about their business.

© Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010

COMMITMENT

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     Last week I presented a woman of determination, Victoria Kageni, in my newsletter.   She is committed to creating a program that will be significant in the lives of others.  I watched her take her first step in realizing the goal and I began to see how things were falling into place for her in the past few weeks.

     Starting somewhere doesn’t promise a smooth ride, but it does put into play a host of right actions and reactions, resources, serendipitous events and a path that leads to where one wants to go.  It starts with commitment to realize the goal, followed by action.

     Having determination, commitment and action starts the ball rolling and even when one does not know the way, a way is made.  William Hutchinson Murray said, in a quote of which all, and not part, is usually attributed to Goethe, “Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it (Goethe).  Begin it now.” ~ W.H. Murray, The Scottish Himalayan Expedition.

For Newsletter story, “One Woman’s Journey” about Victoria Kageni:

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs014/1103025183710/archive/1103853843930.html

©  Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010

WEATHERING THE STORM

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     I have observed numerous individuals who are facing economic turmoil, medical challenges, and workplace related challenges.  In my newsletter I refer to a young woman who lost her job, had four young children, and had to weather the storm of not knowing “how”, “where”, or “when”, relief would return to her Life.

     Last evening, I heard a Pastor talk about the Apostle Paul’s sea voyage to Rome through a treacherous storm that lasted weeks.  While all aboard the ship were terrified and starving, Paul was unmoved and unwavering in his outlook because of his faith in Jesus.

     While we come from a diverse collection of beliefs, religions, and cultures, there is something here that is worthwhile noting for those in tumultuous times of their lives.  You need to be anchored in something or someone that you can believe in to see you through the otherwise unsafe passage - something or someone that inspires you and gives you the solutions that you need when faced with times of trouble – something or someone that is Unfailing.

     Storms don’t last for always.  The morning does come, but how you weather your season of turmoil and what shape you will be in when it is over has a great deal to do with your relationship to that with which you hold your belief.

©  Dr. Drayton-Craig, 2010