Taxi Driver Confession | Is Your Community Strong Enough?

Join Thousands of CEOs Getting Free Daily Business Coaching Videos

Want practical tips, strategies and ideas that our clients use to scale their businesses?  We invite you to sign up for our free daily business coaching videos where you’ll get in-the-trenches insights that drive huge results.  Click here to sign up.

A few months ago, I finished reading Seth Godin’s book on Tribes and had a unique opportunity to discuss this topic with a taxi driver en route to a product launch event in Phoenix, Arizona.

… and what he had to share with me was really surprising ….

It made me realize how important communities are to our families … but also, how a strong social community (otherwise known as a “tribe” – defined as: a group of people connected to each other, to a leader and to an idea ) can completely transform the way you do business.

Dabir loved his job as a taxi driver and left his home country of Ethiopia in hot pursuit of the American Dream; however, there was one thing missing….

You see, in Ethiopia there is a strong tribe and sense of community. People look out for one another … they make it a habit to share with one another … and they’re always adding value (either in the form of food, protection, shelter, comfort, information, etc.) into each member of their community’s lives.

New members to the tribe are welcomed with opened arms and there’s an instant, warm sense of belonging.

And, the sense of community is so STRONG that members feel a natural willingness and obligation to support and grow the tribe …

You see, when Dabir’s family came to America they were surprised to see that the community dynamics were different. They felt that this new tribe was based on “tit for tat” … in other words, you give me this and, only then, will I give you that.

There was no willingness for others to contribute to their community without an outward expectation of getting something in return.

And so, Dabir’s family willingly chose to move back to the poverty stricken land of Ethiopia to return to the community that they had once belonged!

SHOCKING!?!? I thought so.

Can you believe that someone would go through all the hassle to gain entry into America only to move back to a country where death, disease and poverty is so high?

But it goes to show you how important a sense of community is….

Take a look at Apple … these users are die-hard fans of the brand and will outwardly promote, endorse and defend Apple.

What about Harley Davidson? When was the last time you saw someone tattoo your logo on their arm?

Andriod versus iPhone … and the list goes on.

In the above examples, the tribe is built by adding additional (and unexpected) value to customers and clients in an effort to exceed satisfaction.

But, tribes can start BEFORE someone becomes a customer – allowing people to feel like they know you, like you and trust you before they do business with you.

Today, more than ever, people are flocking to online social communities like Facebook, Twitter, review sites or company blogs, for example.

The companies that are doing exceptionally well in this area are excelling because they are delivering real VALUE without an outward expectation of getting something in return (for example, I’ll give you this information ONLY if you buy my product).

People love doing business with “friends.”

Sure, yes, we’re in the business of making money, but I know that if I continue delivering real value to you, there are two probable outcomes.

  1. You’ll choose to do business with me at some point (whenever you are ready) or
  2. You’ll refer someone to me.

And, if none of the above scenarios happen, I at least hope that you become a fan of my work and that I’ve somehow added value to your life because once you understand that the REAL purpose of business is to ADD VALUE, then you’re already moving in the right direction.

What information can you share with the people that come to your community? Can you offer tips? Advice or Information?

What can you leave me with that will make my life better for knowing you?

Unlock this secret and you’ll be surprised just how your tribe will love you right back.

 

what now?

Continue reading for more resourceful information.

UNLOCK PREDICTABLE GROWTH:

Empower Your Team & Diversify Your Strategy Today