Kindness Matters
CBS News Sunday Morning ran a short spot on October 6, 2013, featuring an Oklahoma business owner by the name of Bill Bartmann. What makes Mr. Bartmann worthy of notice by the esteemed CBS program? This gentleman’s company helps people whose delinquent debts have been turned over to his agency for collection.
Bill Bartmann’s philosophy is simple. If his agency can help people get out of debt, it means more money for his company’s bottom line.His employees are not traditional collection agents who browbeat, harass, and shame folks who find themselves without jobs and deep in the red. He hires only customer service providers who help people get back on their feet by showing them how to access government resources, create resumes, and set up job interviews.
Bill’s people even call their clients with friendly reminders on the day of those interviews. After being in the collection business for a year, Mr. Bartmann reports his agency is doing two times better than his competitors. So well thought of is Bill’s company and the services it provides to his community, Rogers State University President, Dr. Larry Rice has nominated Mr. Bartmann for the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize.
Imagine that! In these dark economic times, a collection agency is actually helping people get out of debt by helping them navigate their way back to financial health! Maya Angelou said it best. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” At the end of every show, Ellen Degeneres thanks her guests and then says, “Be kind to one another!”
Believe me, I get that people only do what they know, and I know a lot of folks didn’t experience much kindness growing up. But since changing your mind can change your life, why not extend a little kindness to someone who could use some.The moral of this blog is simple. Kindness matters!
Posted by Deborah McTiernan – Author of Lilly Noble & Actual Magic – Paranormal Books for Teenagers – Dares readers to believe in themselves and discover the magic within. Follow your dreams or follow the crowd!
