Do you really want to influence people? Then deliver beyond their expectations. Do they expect the ordinary? Then give them the exceptional.

At a recent gathering I was one of several hundred in attendance. The seats were arranged neatly but close together. The idea, I guess, was to fit more people into the venue. I felt a little cramped but that was okay.

What could have been done differently? Buy bigger seats, space them out a little, give people more room. Over-deliver on their expectations. Give them more than what is usually delivered. They will remember. They will speak of it to others. They will be influenced by your generous behaviour. It will encourage a pay it forward attitude. Everyone wins.

Edit (Jan 2008). As an example of delivering beyond expectations, check out my post about the Amazing Cloaker.