There is an old joke about a nun who dies prematurely and is about to be sent back to earth to continue on with her mission. As a consolation, St. Peter advises the nun that she may look around inside the Pearly Gates to see what she can expect in about 10 years when she is slated to pass on.
The nun looks around is is underwhelmed. It’s nice and everyone has their own cloud and harp, but rather mundane, nothing really exciting… just peaceful and nice. Out of curiosity, the nun asks St. Peter if it would be ok to see “the other place.”
St. Peter thought it a strange request but under the circumstances, thought it would be ok. He picked up the hotline to Hell and asked Satan if it could be arranged. And it was.
When the nun arrived in Hades, she was greeted by a big band playing jazz and people drinking martinis and others dancing and still others just laughing and having an overall great time. It was like a Hollywood A-List party and she was witness to a wonderful time. But, she was about to go back to earth to fulfill her human aspirations.
Ten years later, the nun passed away and was again greeted by St. Peter at the Gate.
“Welcome back, Sister. Welcome Home.”
The nun replied, “Thank you all the same, St. Peter, I’ve had 10 years of thinking about this moment and if it isn’t a problem with you, I’d like to go to the other place to live my spiritual eternity.”
St. Peter was shocked… nonetheless, he felt that much was owed the nun for her lifetime of service to the Lord. He again called Satan and advised him of the situation. Satan was elated… to have a nun in Hell was quite unique. The nun began her journey downward.
When she arrived there, she was greeted by the stench of fire and brimstone. People were screaming agonizing screams and not one of them looked as if they were having anywhere remotely resembling the good times she witnessed ten years earlier.
She was disappointed to say the least and she spoke to Satan and asked him why there was such a dramatic difference.
He answered her, “Ten years ago, you were a prospect… Today, you are a customer.”
This is how most companies and businesses treat their prospects and their customers. The companies with stellar customer service, Nordstrom’s, the Ritz-Carlton, and others. They understand the value of their existing customer base, and the cost of retaining those customers is much, much less than the cost of acquiring new customers.
Treat your customers as you would your prospects. Your bottom line will thank you.
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