There is an old proverb that suggests, “The devil you know is better than the devil you don’t know.” This adage first appeared in John Taverner’s Proverbs of Erasmus (1539).
This infers that it just might be easier to put up with what you are already familiar with, rather than roll the dice on something unknown. I suppose you could also justify your tendency to remain put by reminding yourself that “the grass always appears greener on the other side of the fence.” (Whatever make you feel better.)
What if, and I say “if,” the devil you don’t know happens to be a lot better than the one you do know? Sticking with the status quo, simply because it is easier and safer to do so, might be costing you a much brighter future.
I suppose “risk” is a word that enters the discussion right about now. It has been my observation that most people shy away from risk as they naturally equate it with a negative outcome.
This subject recently entered my world when I received an unsolicited quote from a competing insurance company. As a general statement, I do not get the warm and fuzzies when the concept of insurance pops up. I recognize the logic of having it; I just don’t like paying for something I hope I never have to use. (That may be just me, but I don’t think so.)
In any event, I found myself thinking that the insurance I already have, although it may be a bit more expensive, was fine. (Fine is another four-letter word that begins with “f” in my book.) Analyzing a new policy with a new unknown entity sounded like too much work at the time for me. After all, it wasn’t my idea in the first place. I ignored the “opportunity.”
But the thought of my laziness possibly affecting my future bank account for years to come kept nagging at me. What if this particular “devil” was actually an “angel” sent to make my life better?
And so it is with you, my friends. Your “prospects” will naturally go with the current flow rather than take the risk of your service being a marked improvement. This is a normal reaction and should be anticipated. The challenge of professionally positioning yourself as the “angel” and not just the next unknown “devil” becomes your #1 conundrum. (Difficult task.)
There is not enough space in his week’s article to dot the i’s for you, but I will leave you with one giant tip. DO NOT attempt to go head-to-head with your competition by trying position yourself as the more superior service provider. DO address those hidden needs of those seeking guidance when planning a vacation.
HINT: Like working with an agent who returns phone calls and actually cares about the success of a journey out of town.
Mike Marchev is always looking for a few more proactive travel professionals to join his Sales and Marketing Club, mike@mikemarchev.com.
*** You want more to think about? Check out my weekly podcast (Miked Up Marchev). Also listed on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, and iHeartRadio.
