I had one of those moments today. You know the ones. They don't come all that often, but they are deeply meaningful when they do. The moments that remind you why you are in business. I had a customer, let's call him Daniel, stop by my office this afternoon. He reached out his hand to greet me as he has hundreds of times over the past 5 years.
We chatted for a few minutes and he told me, "Thank you for all the help and support you have given me over the past few years. I am moving back to Mexico, and I will never forget my banker friend in the United States. May God bless you and lead our paths to cross again in the future." With tears in his eyes, and in mine, he gave me a hug, told me to take care of my family and walked out of the bank for what will probably be the last time.
I have known this man for just 5 years. I have never met his family, but I can name each of his children. I do not know the circumstances that brought him to the USA without his family, but I can tell you how proud he is of his children and how much he misses his wife. I can also tell you that we built a friendship during 5 - 10 minute interactions over the years. He trusted me with his money, but more importantly with is friendship.
Just as he said he will never forget me, I will never forget him. Daniel really made me reflect today on the importance of building relationships in business. Sure, over the last 5 years he has referred friends and family members to me. I am sure we have made some good income by servicing his accounts as well. All that being said, the most valuable thing I ever got from my interaction with this man was friendship.
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