Chuck Bauer, Week 52, 2001
Over the years I have been blessed with many wonderful experiences and teachings, some of which have come by way of my "Top 10 Ways to Become Attractive Through Kindness." Each time I have followed these methods, I feel deeply moved by being able to make just a slight difference or small contribution for someone. It's like the saying, "When entering a room, you either brighten it or darken it." Well, here are proven methods that will brighten anyone's day.
GIVE UP YOUR FIRST-CLASS AIRLINE SEAT -- If you ever have a first-class seat on a commercial aircraft, give up your seat to someone who hasn't ever flown first-class or to a senior citizen. I wait for everyone to board the aircraft, then I go to the coach section and usually find a willing recipient in an exit row (usually better leg room). Of course, when you approach them and tell them you want to trade seats, they usually get very uncomfortable and say "no." However, when you show them the seat is in the first-class section, they usually make a beeline for the seat. And senior citizens are so thankful, that in many cases you will make a memory for them they will never forget!
READ TO KIDS -- Volunteer at a local bookstore or school, and read to kids. I've taught many people public-speaking skills and one of the easiest ways to get people through stage fright is to find ways for them to "get road miles." Or practice, practice, practice! One way to break through the fear and help others at the same time is to read to kids.
GIFTS, NOT LOANS -- When a friend or relative comes to you for financial assistance, listen to them, consider all options for them, then ponder your decision. If you choose to help them out, ALWAYS give the money in the form of a gift, NEVER as a loan, even if they insist. Never expect it to come back and always honor your gift by never bringing up the subject in any future discussion with them or anyone else.
ENCOURAGE KIDS TO OPEN SAVINGS ACCOUNT AND HELP THEM DO IT -- When buying any product or service from children -- Girl Scout cookies, school projects, or the neighborhood lemonade stand -- tip the youngsters at least $5.00 and encourage them to use a portion of it to open a savings account. If you really want to grab their attention, try a $20.00 dollar bill!!
REWARD GOOD SERVICE WITH LETTERS -- Write "letters of commendation" for service-industry people who have given excellent service. I travel on Delta Airlines many times each year and I "look" for that one flight attendant on each flight that I can write a letter for.
TIP IN ADVANCE -- Tips stands for "to insure proper service" so tip in advance whenever possible. You'll not only receive "proper service," the level of service will be dramatically different than usual.
PAY FOR THE PERSON BEHIND YOU ON A TOLL -- When driving on a toll road or bridge, pay for the person behind you. If possible (without causing a traffic hazard), watch the expression of their face when they find out they don't have to pay.
TEACH KIDS TO GO TO THE BANK -- Encourage all children to open a savings account at a bank. Make sure that they understand that the most important part of the savings account is the "habit" of going to the bank, not the amount they deposit.
GIVE OUT A BOOK -- The book titled "The Richest Man In Babylon" is one of the greatest books you can give a child. It is one of the most popular books in teaching children how to save and why to save. Buy five paperbacks at a time from the bookstore and hand them out to all 12-year-olds (and above) that you know. Many adults could learn from this book as well!
GIVE AWAY YOUR FREEBIES-- Use the small little freebies from your hotel room (shampoo, conditioner, soap) to give out to homeless people or senior citizens. Many folks take these sample items home where they gather dust under some shelf in the bathroom. The recipients of these small gifts will appreciate the thought and many place a great value on them.
Chuck Bauer is a speaker, writer, and consultant. He regularly consults and trains for companies such as Verizon, State of Texas, and Bass Pro Shops nationwide. His new book Attraction in Action is due to be published in late 2002. Visit him at http://chuckbauer.com or email to chuck@chuckbauer.com
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