CEO Blog
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Entry
Hello All,
So, on my way to Queens New York this past weekend to watch my pitiful NY Mets play baseball I got my haircut at a barbershop where Mario works... I live in New Jersey, a good 90 minutes away from Mario by car, so why during baseball season do I visit Mario vs. getting my hair cut in the more convenient locations in New Jersey??? Read on for the dramatic details....!
.... Well, Mario is a great guy but doesn't do a lot of chit-chatting which is fine. But what he DOES do is provide me with a simple but creative service that NO other barber in my nearly 50 years of getting haircuts has offered to do - he layers my neck with hot shaving cream and then uses a razor to give me a nice even look where my hairline ends. Very soothing, very therapeutic, only a minute or two, but the reason that I keep coming back to Mario year after year after year ...
Of course, I am relating this to the "business" of creating value for IMA members that keeps them coming back year after year, and these passionate and highly pleased customers in turn telling their friends and neighbors to start coming.
What is your "Mario the Barber" story for IMA? Let me know.
Jeff
Comment
Jeff,
Great story and happy to chime in on this one!
Back around 1980, in my first accounting position after college, I felt great about my new profession. Armed with all my book knowledge, fresh out of the Navy, and starting a new family, simply put – Life was good!
Of course, I realized quickly that the shelf life of my education was draining like an uncharged battery. I happened to get an IMA mailing in the spring of 1981, which talked about staying current, connecting with peers, and being a financial leader. Fortunately, for me, I joined in July of 1981. For almost 30 years, the IMA has provided me opportunities to stay current and contribute in meaningful ways to my profession. I have met friendly, brilliant, and practical accounting professionals to share and learn with. Along the way, I have managed to be successful (most of the time).
I look at joining the IMA as one of my key success factors. It has delivered on the promise of the promotional mailing of 30 years ago. The IMA has given me the opportunity – to keep current, connect with peers, and be a better financial leader.
This is why I keep coming back to the IMA and – Life is still good!
Jim