Leaving a lasting impression

As I write this I’m visiting the spectacular Cook Islands. We’ve just had a visit from the complex’s handyman, as our air-conditioning was making a bit of a strange noise.

He arrived, fixed the problem and went on his way. I thought it was strange when he disappeared and didn’t even say he was done and was leaving.

But then he returned, and where his ladder had been, he started to sweep. There had been some minute dust and debris knocked as he was doing his work, and he swept the floor clean. With a smile and a wave he was then done.

Simple, thoughtful service that made a lasting impression.

In my industry – real estate – this might be as simple as offering to take your shoes off at any front door you come to. A hairdresser might offer every client a drink while they’re having their hair done. A waitress might take time to get to know a child by name.

What can you do today that charms, surprises and delights?

Kirsty Dunphey is the youngest ever Australian Telstra Young Business Woman of the Year, author of two books (her latest release is Retired at 27, If I Can do it Anyone Can) and a passionate entrepreneur who started her first business at age 15 and opened her own real estate agency at 21. Now Kirsty does lots of fun things which you can read about here. Her favourite current projects are Elephant Property, a boutique property management agency, Baby Teresa, a baby clothing line that donates an outfit to a baby in need for each one they sell andReallySold, which helps real estate agents stop writing boring, uninteresting ads.