The Secret to Being Number One!

“But whoever desires to be great among you, let him become your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave. Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26 – 28)

There are several lessons you can take from this passage, but there are three key lessons that if you understand them, will revolutionize your business. Now, before we get into those, please notice that Jesus does not say, “whoever desires to be great among you – abandon that idea.”

On the contrary…

He tells them the way to get there, and in the process, redefines greatness in the context of how well one provides service. But there is some subtle wisdom embedded in His words, if you have ears to hear it. He says, if you want to achieve greatness, become a servant. If you want to be first among the great, become a slave.

In other words, greatness is achieved through service, but being first, requires becoming a slave. What’s the difference you ask? Actually, when it comes to business the difference is both subtle and profound. A servant is paid for their time and the level of quality delivered during that time, but when their service has been performed, they do whatever pleases them.

Servants are good, but slaves deliver higher ROI

A slave on the other hand is a one-time purchase that delivers ongoing value, whenever the owner desires, with no time off. You see, a product is not something distinct and separate from service. It’s a different form of service. A product will provide service without the servant or seller being present. That’s huge! For example, my car services my transportation needs but the dealership provides repair service on an as needed basis. My computer services my data processing needs, but Apple provides service when I have issues. My car and computer are slaves (products) but their people are servants (customer service). Make sense?

A slave is a one-time purchase for use at the owner’s discretion without further payment due. The value of that slave or product is based on its strengths, abilities and expected longevity. A servant is hired to perform a service and then is free to go where they please. A slave is purchased. A servant is hired. When you buy a product, you essentially have a slave with the expectation it will provide value whenever you choose, wherever you choose, as often as you like, without ever having to pay for it again. It’s like buying a nice bed. Service however, is like hiring a housekeeper to make the bed, etc. When the housekeeper is finished, they leave.

The point here is simple.

If you want to be great – excel in service. If you want to also be first, provide a product that services your customers at a higher level than your competitors. The better servant you are, the greater you will become. The better slaves you also produce, the more likely you will end up at number one in your field.

When I continue the series, I will share the specifics on how to provide great service and good slaves that make you money and thrill your customers.

Until then, be fruitful and multiply!

UPDATE ON ISRAEL TRIP

Our Recover All 2015 Tour that we were hoping to do over Easter, simply does not have availability for a group at those desired times. It’s Passover there and they are slammed with tourists. So, we will look for a time that works better and keep you in the loop. Blessings to you all and thanks for the several inquiries.