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Sending mixed messages demonstrates a service gap in organization

 

By lunch yesterday an email arrived much sooner than expected and contained the video trailer above. We like when this happens don’t we? It exceeds our expectations and it demonstrates a great customer service mantra.

Driving home later (a Friday), ever get hit with a zinger from the same company, but a different department?

The accounting department wanted proof I own Mid Life Celebration, LLC.

The W-9 they were now requesting was filled out (and sent in two months prior) and included the EIN (the business’s social security number if you will). There was no further request for anything else.

Weird. Awkward even.

To ask for ‘proof’ after the fact is really weird and sends a mixed message about how organized the organization is.

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Mainstream blogging advice recommends not getting too personal

iTunes Connect dialouge
Finished Mid Life Celebration (the book) in July 2011 (above) and then didn’t do anything for two more years

 

Mainstream blogging advice recommends not getting too personal. So where exactly is the line we should not cross? Not sure. The book sales representative’s email arrived mid-morning yesterday:

On Oct 16, 2013, at 11:47 AM, noreply@xulonpress.com wrote:

Dear Jeff,

Congratulations! Your book is now complete and your free copies are on their way to your doorstep. Your book will arrive via UPS and shipping typically takes 7-10 business days (shipping outside the US may take longer).

Immediately got on the phone to offer to pay for expedited shipping. Voice mail. Then voice mail back – should only be 2-3 days.

The long way is the short cut.

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Two things we can organize but rarely give a second thought

Young boy with teddy bear and suitcase at Church pew
Began writing as a way to be prepared in case something bad ever happened to me

 

Sent two paragraphs to Xulon Press a minute ago at their request so they can create a video trailer for the book, Mid Life Celebration: rethink • reprioritize • recommit.

Expecting the first 10 copies of the book any day now.

Three people know the book is almost in my hands: Chapin, the book designer, and me.

Challenging to keep a lid on it.

This requires significant organization. Not of files, but of patience and humility.

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Zero theory, 100% execution

All jeff noel postage stamps are placed upside down
Mailed the W-9 form yesterday

 

All jeff noel postage stamps are placed upside down
Have been placing every stamp upside down since 1996

 

Do you have small, seemingly insignificant ways that not only demonstrate longterm commitment, but also intentionally leave subtle messages about what you value?

How organized would a person have to be to intentionally place every single postage stamp upside down for 17 years with no end in sight?

Zero theory, 100% execution.

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