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After ten days of visiting Allison and Davis, I was on a plane back to Atlanta.

It’s been a great visit.

My wife and I enjoyed a week with our children before Allison delivered Amelia.

And I wanted to end the visit on a high note.

Hospital food is ok, but nothing to write home about. And after three days, no one has had a home cooked meal.

After a discussion with the family, and list in hand, I made the two mile pilgrimage to Dillon’s Supermarket.

And something remarkable happened.

As I am pushing my cart an employee asks me if I could use help.

Since I do not live in Manhattan, KS, (aka The Little Apple) and not familiar with this store I said, “Yes I could. Where could I find croutons?”

Doug says follow me. He takes a wrong turn and apologizes as it was his second day as an employee.

We find the croutons. He asks “what else?” Salad dressing. And he takes me there.

I am blown away. I wish Doug well and thank him.

But it gets better.

I spot the fresh fish area. I waited for two other patrons to choose their salmon. And within ten seconds of each other each person smiled and said to me “sorry for making you wait”.

Being polite back, I smiled back and said, “thank you”.

And on to finding steaks. And guess what? The same thing happened.

Once again, I smiled and said “thank you”.

Finally at the check out, Jasmin, the cashier asks if I found everything ok. Then she smiles and says, “you look really happy”.

I tell her why I am visiting. She congratulates me.

And Ben, the bagger says “thank you for shopping here” and congratulates me.

This is not my first rodeo shopping for groceries.

We have friendly people in my community, in Peachtree Corners, BUT I experienced something that I have not in a long time in a grocery store. Nobody was in a race to get things done. They were enjoying the moment. Being kind to a stranger.

And the experience resonates with me as I make the three turns and complete the two mile journey back to my children’s house.

And I share my grocery shopping story at dinner.

My family looks at me and asks why I shared this. It’s not about buying groceries, it is about kindness and making a new friend.

And the same goes in recruiting.

There is no reason to have a high pressure interrogation of clients or candidates. It all starts with making a friend.

If they know, like, trust and trust you, life AND business will be more fun.

Here’s an invitation to practice this – click here for a meet and greet.

Thanks for reading,

Mark

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