Years ago I had a courier business – just me and a delivery van.
On Christmas Eve the van broke down. I still had a heap of deliveries to make.
I managed to get it to my local garage.
The guy at the counter looked and said they wouldn’t be able to fix it until after the New Year.
They were about to close down for the year and there was plenty of jobs in front of mine.
15 Minutes Later The Van Was Fixed
15 minutes later I drove out with the van fixed.
How Did I Get The Van Fixed?
Just how did I get the van fixed so quickly?
As I walked out to the van one of the mechanics came out to say hello and asked me what the problem was. I told him. Him and another mechanic fixed it on the spot.
The only reason the mechanic went out of his way to come and say hello – and ultimately to fix the van – was because the previous day I’d dropped in a couple of cartons of beer (and some cash) to say “Thanks” to the mechanics for taking care of my van during the year.
Next Delivery Made Me $10,000
With the next delivery I made with my newly fixed van I got talking with the guy and that conversation ended up with us getting his firm’s delivery work.
That was worth, from memory, about $10,000 a year.
All because of a carton of beer and a bit of cash.
Cheers
Brendon
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I frequently take my in-laws to a clinic nearby, noted for long waiting times. Momma and Daddy would always argue about going because they couldn’t stand the wait.
In the mall across the street from the clinic they have a chain bakery shop called Red Ribbon … excellent cakes, always packed in a presentation box tied with a real red ribbon bow.
Now when someone needs to visit the clinic, the receptionist texts the single word “now” to my cell phone when the huge queue to see the doctor gets down to about 15 minutes wait time .. the time it takes me to drive to the clinic.
Mum or dad walk right in, sometimes straight to the doctor with no wait tie at all.
Wonder how that happens?
By the wya, I _love_ that van! Reminiscnetof a purpose-built line that used to be popular in the US for home delivery known as DivCo. Came with controls to drive standing up or sitting down .. ugly as sin and strong like a bull.
You should buy one like that, restore it to pristine condition, put some seats and a ref in the back and letter the sides with a big http://www.tailored.com.au and use it for trips to the golf course with your mates, short Scout excursions, etc. Bet it would have an ROI in less than a year.
Great story Dave
It’s easy stuff. But very few people ever do it.
I can never figure out why.
Cheers
Brendon