A word of wisdom to always live by: Don’t spit on the rainmakers in your life.
Who are the rainmakers?
- They’re the people who bring business, opportunities, and referrals to your table.
- They’re the ones who support, uplift, and create connections that fuel success.
- They’re invaluable—not just for the money they bring, but for the trust and goodwill they build.
Let me share a story that painfully illustrates this lesson.
The most powerful relationship capital we can transfer is the trust of a referral. A referral accelerates the intimacy of trust, creating a foundation of confidence from the very start.
Recently, I was referred to Meagan, a stellar personal trainer. From the moment we met, she was attentive, thoughtful, and completely focused on helping me achieve my goals. She walked me through the gym, listened intently to my goals, and offered encouragement at every step. After a quick assessment, she expressed genuine confidence and delight in helping me succeed. I left that first session feeling completely jazzed and ready to get started.
At the end of our session, Meagan walked me to the front desk to set up a gym membership. The young woman at the desk was polite and professional, smoothly transitioning us to the membership salesman. That’s when the train wreck began.
The salesman didn’t even acknowledge Meagan’s presence or role in bringing me to the gym. Trying to break the tension, I joked, “I feel like I’m about to sign up for a timeshare or an MLM pitch.” To my surprise, he enthusiastically replied, “Oh, I used to work in MLM!” From there, it spiraled out of control.
Over the next 40 minutes, he shifted programs seven times and tacked on unnecessary signup fees, processing fees, and cancellation fees. Every time Meagan tried to advocate for a trainer-specific program or step in on my behalf, he cut her off or dismissed her entirely, his behavior tinged with chauvinism.
By the seventh gear shift, I had reached my limit. I metaphorically whacked him on the head, chewed on his ear, and gave him a $1,000 mentoring session—for free. I explained that his approach was disrespectful, shortsighted, and utterly counterproductive.
The Real Cost of Disrespect
What this young man failed to understand is the value of a rainmaker like Meagan. She wasn’t just a trainer—she was the reason I was there, ready to spend money and commit to this gym. His dismissive attitude not only disrespected her but also undermined the very foundation of the gym’s success.
Yes, he secured a membership fee from me, but at what cost? I left infuriated at how he dismissed Meagan, depleted, guard up, and completely unimpressed. Do you think I would recommend this gym? Not a chance. In fact, I suggested to Meagan that she move her clients elsewhere.
The Takeaway
Never disrespect or diminish the rainmakers in your life. Rainmakers like Meagan aren’t just valuable, they’re essential. Whether they’re employees, colleagues, or friends, they’re the ones who make things happen.
If I had been in his shoes, I’d have rolled out the red carpet, handed Meagan a bouquet of roses, blown bubbles at her, and offered her a lollipop! Respect matters more than money. Without it, short-term gains come at the expense of long-term success.
So, here’s my advice. Protect and cherish the rainmakers in your life. They’re worth far more than you realize.
Don’t spit on your rainmakers.
All my best,
Rich
