What could possibly be more memorable than an appreciative client who treats you like royalty! Having spoken for many clients over the last few decades I have experienced those who made me feel special, appreciated and valuable and those who didn't (fortunately there weren't many of the later).
That is what I experienced when I spoke on How To Work a Room® to the exec cabinet of SCAD (Savannah College of Arts and Design) and some of the students. From the moment my plane landed, till the return flight left, I was treated to Southern hospitality. They went the extra mile for me and, naturally, I wanted to do the same for them. What I perceived in the treatment was more than hospitality; the other elements were organization, preparation, planning and appreciation. It was a remarkable experience where I was prepared for my presentation by Shay who shared so much about the college, treated so positively by the executive cabinet, hosted for a visit to Beaufort by Sam, A Beaufort native, and toured around Savannah and SCAD by Danny, who shared his knowledge and love of Savannah.
When I was asked to speak to the Atlanta SCAD faculty and a class of students, I was thrilled! Again, I received "tiara" treatment...the royal hospitality from Sam who took me to see many Atlanta attractions. I spent time with dear friends and, thanks to SCAD, made a new friend, Mia Spolan and I found working with the Atlanta faculty to be wonderful.
What a contrast to the client who didn't even have a seat for me in the luncheon where I was a keynote speaker. I had to wait outside the banquet hall until they came to get me. The client told me that there was a rehearsal the prior night at 5pm and, luckily, I checked and found out it was postponed till the next morning. When I showed up on time for the morning meeting, she never called to notify me that it was pushed back an hour. The difference between these two clients is overwhelming.
I can't wait to return to Savannah and Atlanta and to SCAD. I am on SCAD's "PR" team forever! The top brass at the college of "art" and design has mastered the "art" of how to treat people. That works for me.
Given the choice, I prefer the "Tiara Treatment". It made me so happy that Mother saved mine!
