It’s sort of tacky to start this way, but… everyone loves surprises.* Your friend, your customer, your girlfriend, your client, your dentist – they all love surprises. The reason being is that they know what they are getting from you and giving in return.
The relationship, a dentist, for example, is a simple transaction: give your dentist money, the dentist gives your teeth a cleaning and you some sound advice on how to take care of your teeth.
Then throw in a surprise and see how the relationship changes.
You give your dentist money, the dentist gives your teeth a cleaning, you some sound advice on how to take care of your teeth, and a $25 gift card to Red Mango. Not because you didn’t cry through the fluoride, but because your dentist simply can.
Guess who won’t be changing dentists anytime soon?
If you’ve been won over by a surprise, well, I don’t need to explain why they matter or the personal result of them. If you haven’t been won over by a surprise, go surprise someone and see how the relationship shifts.
Still not sold on surprises? Look at the following two examples.
1. Birthday
2. Birthday surprise
Stay Positive & It’s Not Rocket Science**
Garth E. Beyer
*If you’re shaking your head in disagreement, you’ve just had people who don’t really know you try to surprise you. Look at the meaning behind the attempt and not the actual surprise.
**I would argue rocket science is getting much easier to do. Alas, an argument for another day.
