I was staying in an elegant upscale hotel in San Francisco. My room was spacious and clean. And expensive. Being the A-type workholic I am, the moment I unpacked, I was behind a big desk to get some work done before the seminar. I fired up my laptop when I noticed it.
A simple note with instructions to connect to the hotel wireless. For $14.95! A day. Seriously?
Rip off. Yes. Hell yes! Big-time rip off. BUT...
I had a choice. I could have come up with reasons -- completely justified reasons to feel bamboozled and cheated.
I could have called the concierge and have a few sharp words. And some poor soul who had nothing to do with that corporate "upsell cash revenue idea discised as additional service" would apologize with a prepared script. I'm sure she would have a pre-made "reasonable explanation" used on upset guests like me who yell something along the lines of "Even Holiday Inn offers free internet! How dare you!"
I would have gotten a courteous apology with a complimentary access, no doubt.
That would have been ONE choice. The obvious, just, and logical choice.
But a choice based on scarcity, coming from a position of lack. Formed by a basic belief that there is not enough.
I didn't call. I made a DIFFERENT choice.
I paid the fifteen bucks with a smile and gratitude.
I was glad that $15 makes no difference in my life anymore... I was grateful to have the opportunity to connect. I appreciated the chance to read some of your emails. I enjoyed posting a quick update on my Facebook page to let you guys know where I was and what I was up to. And to see what are many of you up to.
I was happy to read a post from Paul who landed three new expired leads over the weekend (love those good news!).
I answered your questions, I took care some of your concerns... I offered some tips so you can get on with your work... All -- ALL of that for only $14.95.
Good deal if you ask me.
You see, it's these small choices we make every day that shape up who we are, how we feel, what we have (and don't have) in life. How events and our reactions to them little by little shape up our destiny.
My recommendation - pay the price with a smile. And pick appreciation and gratitude whenever you have a chance. You'll get much better deal at the end.
Comments(14)