By Petey Parker: A cab driver taught me a million dollar lesson in customer satisfaction and expectation. Motivational speakers charge thousands of dollars to impart his kind of training to corporate executives and staff. It cost me a $12 taxi ride.

I had flown into Dallas for the sole purpose of calling on a client. Time was of the essence and my plan included a quick turnaround trip from and back to the airport. A spotless cab pulled up.

The driver rushed to open the passenger door for me and made sure I was comfortably seated before he closed the door. As he got in the driver's seat, he mentioned that the neatly folded Wall Street Journal next to me for my use. He then showed me several tapes and asked me what type of music I would enjoy.

Well! I looked around for a "Candid Camera!" Wouldn't you? I could not believe the service I was receiving! I took the opportunity to say, "Obviously you take great pride in your work. You must have a story to tell."

"You bet," he replied, "I used to be in Corporate America. But I got tired of thinking my best would never be good enough. I decided to find my niche in life where I could feel proud of being the best I could be.

I knew I would never be a rocket scientist, but I love driving cars, being of service and feeling like I have done a full day's work and done it well. I evaluate my personal assets and... wham! I became a cab driver.

One thing I know for sure, to be good in my business I could simply just meet the expectations of my passengers. But, to be GREAT in my business, I have to EXCEED the customer's expectations! I like both the sound and the return of being 'great' better than just getting by on 'average'"

Did I tip him big time? You bet! Corporate America's loss is the traveling folk's friend!

I know that for me, once I started focusing on doing what I do best, I became a happier and more motivated person. Is time for you to evaluate your life and do what makes you happy?

I promise you this story is not the one you’ve probably all read or heard about at some point over the years. This is the story as told by Anthony Robbins after having dinner with Sylvester Stallone. Tony heard the most incredible in-depth details of the REAL story about Sylvester and how he came to create the world famous movie, Rocky!

Don’t do another thing until you’ve watched this entire video because the story will draw you in and touch you – I was incredibly surprised and inspired by the real truths told in this story!!

Never Never Never Give up!

And it's true. Few good things  come easily and it most often takes hard work and perseverence to attain that which we desire. And in that path of perseverence we often have to ask ourselves, "Can I do this? Can I make it to the end?"

The answer is most often yes and usually, the only obstacle between us and something better is simply not giviing up.

Take a look at this video today which affirms this sentiment and tell yourself that you too can push through the morass and achieve your goals.

Click here to view the embedded video.

We felt connected to this young man on the other side of the globe for different reasons. Maybe it was the sheer beauty of this huge voice in such a strange package. Maybe it was the "Don't judge a book by its cover" message. Maybe it was the fact that it reminds us that greatness exists everywhere, and we just have to give it an opportunity to show itself.

So, we've been keeping tabs on Lin, and it appears he's done it again. This time it's Amazing Grace and it is indeed Amazing. I don't think Lin speaks enough English to truly understand the lyrics but he feels them somehow.

And you will too when you watch this clip of the Taiwanese style American Idol show that Lin offered this gem on a little while ago.

Click here to view the embedded video.

One man, Harvey Mackay, tells a wonderful story about a cab driver that proved this point.

He was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a cab pulled up, the first thing Harvey noticed was that the taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks, the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the back passenger door for Harvey .

He handed my friend a laminated card and said: 'I'm Wally, your driver. While I'm loading your bags in the trunk I'd like you to read my mission statement.'

Taken aback, Harvey read the card. It said: Wally's Mission Statement: To get my customers to their destination in the quickest, safest and cheapest way possible in a friendly environment...

This blew Harvey away. Especially when he noticed that the inside of the cab matched the outside. Spotlessly clean!

As he slid behind the wheel, Wally said, 'Would you like a cup of coffee? I have a thermos of regular and one of decaf.' My friend said jokingly, 'No, I'd prefer a soft drink.' Wally smiled and said, 'No problem.. I have a cooler up front with regular and Diet Coke, water and orange juice...' Almost stuttering, Harvey said, 'I'll take a Diet Coke.'

Handing him his drink, Wally said, 'If you'd like something to read, I have The Wall Street Journal, Time, Sports Illustrated and USA Today.'

As they were pulling away, Wally handed my friend another laminated card, 'These are the stations I get and the music they play, if you'd like to listen to the radio.'

And as if that weren't enough, Wally told Harvey that he had the air conditioning on and asked if the temperature was comfortable for him. Then he advised Harvey of the best route to his destination for that time of day. He also let him know that he'd be happy to chat and tell him about some of the sights or, if Harvey preferred, to leave him with his own thoughts.

'Tell me, Wally,' my amazed friend asked the driver, 'Have you always served customers like this?'

Wally smiled into the rear view mirror. 'No, not always. In fact, it's only been in the last two years. My first five years driving, I spent most of my time complaining like all the rest of the cabbies do. Then I heard a personal growth expert on the radio one day.
He had just written a book and said that if you get up in the morning expecting to have a bad day, you'll rarely disappoint yourself. He said, 'Stop complaining! Differentiate yourself from your competition. Don't be a duck. Be an eagle. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the crowd.'

'That hit me right between the eyes,' said Wally. 'Dyer was really talking about me. I was always quacking and complaining, so I decided to change my attitude and become an eagle. I looked around at the other cabs and their drivers. The cabs were dirty, the drivers were unfriendly, and the customers were unhappy. So I decided to make some changes. I put in a few at a time. When my customers responded well, I did more.'

'I take it that has paid off for you,' Harvey said.

'It sure has,' Wally replied. 'My first year as an eagle, I doubled my income from the previous year. This year I'll probably quadruple it. You were lucky to get me today. I don't sit at cabstands anymore. My customers call me for appointments on my cell phone or leave a message on my answering machine. If I can't pick them up myself, I get a reliable cabbie friend to do it and I take a piece of the action.'

Wally was phenomenal. He was running a limo service out of a Yellow Cab. I've probably told that story to more than fifty cab drivers over the years, and only two that I know of took the idea and ran with it. Whenever I go to their cities, I give them a call. The rest of the drivers quacked like ducks and told me all the reasons they couldn't do any of what I was suggesting.

Wally the Cab Driver made a different choice. He decided to stop quacking like ducks and start soaring like eagles.

There is always hope for those who choose to hope. You can choose to be happy.

A simple video brought to our attention captures this sentiment perfectly. The price of success is often failure. Maybe its indirect, maybe its direct but most greatness was preceded by a series of failures.

Remember, the Wright Brothers' first flight was eighty feet. Eight years later they flew coast to coast.

Take a look at this brief video and see what others have been through and consider just for a moment, if you've paid the price for your own success with failure. I believe many of you are well on your way to your own personal greatness.

Click here to view the embedded video.

As individuals, few of us can control the economic conditions that have set these events in motion. Sure, we can control spending, avoid credit card debt, and lower our risk. But we can't really control job security or the value of real estate.

But we can control our own lives, our happiness if you will, by taking charge of that which is within our grasp.

Oddly enough, for some people, hardship is a vehicle and a launching pad for other more positive things. In fact, it can be a catalyst to benevolence and self-worth.

In this article, we want to introduce you to someone who took misfortune and rolled with it.

Is it something all of us can do? Maybe not. Is it something all of us can learn from? Absolutely.

CLICK HERE TO READ THIS STORY OF GIVING.

Check out this kid, a brilliant Taiwanese boy who nails Whitney Houston and Dolly Parton's classic "I Will Always Love You."

Is he the next Susan Boyle?

The theme is "Be the Change."

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For more information please visit the web site www.TheWinOnline.com and you will find all kinds of useful information for women.

I'm excited about this event, and especially about the mission of The WIN "to strengthen women and families worldwide" and I thought you'd like to know about it.

Paula is a great mom, business person and truly wants to help YOU, so please take some time and check out her site
at www.TheWinOnline.com and let her know Greg Writer sent you.

Have a wonderful day!

Greg Writer,
Angel Network
http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com

PS Paula was on my Board of Directors and worked with me for years. She loves family, kids and happiness. Please let her share some with you. Visit her site here: www.TheWinOnline.com

PS If you can't make it to Los Angeles for this event please refer a friend that maybe able to make this life changing event.

I know this is not your typical inspirational blog post...but when I come across an incredible opportunity I just have to share.

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