Unexpected generosity can't be ignored.
Recently, my friend Kevin Freidberg launched a prototype email/writing boot camp. I got a lot of value from being one of his test subjects. But that was to be expected.
It was the unexpected that really left a positive lasting impression with me.
Kevin made one tiny gesture that has absolutely become the most memorable part of the boot camp for me.
A few days after I signed up I randomly received a lumpy envelope from Amazon.
WTF is this?
So, obviously I opened immediately. Inside the envelope was a silly Pomodoro timer.
See, writing and doing shit in 25min increments is Kevin's thing. And apparently, he wants it to be other people's thing too.
But honestly, doing anything in 25min increments kinda felt like BS to me. So the timer sat on my desk for weeks.
Still, it was an unexpected gesture, so I was delighted.
Finally, the boot camp starts and I have my first writing exercise. And there's the timer on my desk. Just chilling. Waiting to be used.
Because it was gifted to me, I felt obligated to try it out.
And guess what? Despite my skepticism, I liked it. A lot actually. But this email is not about that. This email is about leaving a lasting impression. Kevin's positive lasting impression can be broken down into 3 techniques:
Lumpy mail. If you get it, you gotta open it. (read The 1-Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib for more on that)
Delight. It wasn't even anything I wanted or expected, but it was memorable and made me smile.
Reciprocity. I had to at least try this thing gifted to me. I felt obligated. And holy shit I actually loved it.
This is how you build a brand.
So, find a way to do shit like this in the context of your own business and life. People love it.
