If You Are Wrong, Admit It

I had had a 2 hour meeting with a prospect who seemed keen. The next day he rang to say he was not going to take up my services. I was feeling a little sore so I asked him to think of people he could refer me to and I understood him to say he would do that and get back to me.

Some weeks later, as I hadn't heard from him, I sent him an email prompting him. He replied as follows:

"I haven’t forgotten my promise, which was for me to consider any people who might benefit from your services. It was never a promise for me to provide names for you to ask them. If anybody does come to mind, please rest assured I shall certainly let you know. You have not been forgotten and I will genuinely continue to think of potential clients for you."

I decided to swallow my pride and here is my reply:

"I do apologise most sincerely for my misunderstanding, (name of person) and hope you can forgive me."

He responded almost immediately:

"Of course. Life is too short. You did make a big impression and I shall continue to keep you in mind."

Proof positive that being the bigger person and admitting if you've made a mistake, however small it may be, wins in the end. If I hadn't apologised, I would never have known that I had made such an impression!

Please share with your contacts and if you can spare a few minutes, share your stories with me too at vanessa@thetrueworthexpert.com.