Workplace Multiplier by Tola Akinsulire

Friday Edition: December 20, 2024

Welcome to the Workplace Multiplier newsletter. Published every Tuesday & Friday, we discover something crucial to help us on the way to winning at work and in life.

Make Everyone VIP

Once upon a time, I facilitated a training session for members of a team I was leading in one of the countries I have worked in. It was one of those moments where I knew the lesson I wanted to pass on was a way to reframe how we were going to be serving our clients.

It’s easy to communicate the service agenda using nice-sounding words. But I wanted something they could put in their pockets without having to overthink it.

I simply told them this "Every client is VIP. Treat them as such."

Why was this so important?

The Temptation to Prioritize the Big-Ticket Clients

Every company, no matter the industry, deals with clients or customers of different scales. Some bring in large contracts, big deals, and hefty revenue. Others purchase small items, subscribe to basic services, or barely seem to move the needle on the bottom line.

It’s natural—almost instinctive—to prioritize the “big-ticket” clients. After all, they bring the most value, right?

A case of focus on the 20% high-value clients that bring in 80% of the revenue – Vilfredo Pareto would be proud of you.

But here’s the truth: Today’s low-ticket client may be tomorrow’s big-ticket client.

The future doesn’t always look like today.

Let me share a story that has stayed with me for years.

A Low-Revenue Client Evolution to a Game-Changer

At one of the companies I worked for, there was a client—who came through the doors. He didn’t come with a massive deal. He was literary running his transactions using the firm as just a pass-through. Nothing much.

But someone—whether it was a relationship manager, a senior member of the team, or a team member—treated him like he mattered. Like he was important. Like he was a VIP.

Over the years, his trust in the company deepened, and his business with the company grew.

Something happened as the relationship matured. He began to bring the firm into opportunities that he had so the company could partner with him on it.

By the time I moved on from that team, this same client—who started as what many would consider “low-revenue generating transactions”—had introduced the firm to multi-million-dollar transactions.

What if he had been overlooked? What if someone had decided he wasn’t worth the time or attention?

The company would have missed out—not just on revenue, but on a relationship that paid dividends for years to come.

All because he was treated like a VIP.

The Real Value of Treating People Well

The more I reflected on this story, the clearer the lesson became: VIP isn’t about the money someone brings in today. It’s about the value you choose to place on them as people.

People remember how you treat them. Long after they forget what you said or what you sold them, they remember how you made them feel. And when you treat someone like they matter, you’re not just serving their needs—you’re building trust.

Trust is the currency of all successful relationships.

In business, leadership, and life, the way we treat people has ripple effects. When you choose to treat everyone as a VIP, you:

1. Build Loyalty – People return to where they feel valued.
2. Create Advocates – A happy client will share their experience with others.
3. Unlock Potential – Small opportunities can lead to bigger ones.
4. Stand Out – In a world where many focus only on “what’s in it for me,” you become different.

These outcomes aren’t just good for business; they’re good for your reputation, your relationships, and your sense of purpose.

A Shift in Perspective

Treating everyone as VIP requires a mindset shift. It’s about seeing potential where others might not.

• That intern who seems inexperienced? Treat them as if they’re the next CEO in the making.
• That customer who buys your smallest product? Serve them as though they’re your most important client.
• That team member who hasn’t delivered big results yet? Invest time and energy into their growth.

When you operate this way, you’re not just delivering great service; you’re planting seeds.

Sometimes those seeds will grow into something you never could have imagined. Other times, you won’t see immediate results. But that’s okay—because you’re not just working for the short term. You’re building relationships for a lifetime.

Think about some of the most well-loved brands in the world—companies known for their customer service. Whether it’s the Ritz-Carlton or a small local business that’s gained a loyal following, what sets them apart?

It’s not just the quality of their products. It’s how they make their customers feel.

And the people that work with them.

I love the Ritz-Carlton motto, “We are Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen”.

VIPs serving VIPs.

Treat People as VIPs—Not Just for Today

Here’s the most important part of the lesson: Treating people as VIPs isn’t about what you hope to gain.

It’s about who you are.

It’s about the standards you set for yourself and the example you leave behind.

When you choose to serve people with respect, attention, and care, you’re living out a principle that transcends business. You’re choosing to see value in others because every person is inherently valuable.

Every client is a VIP. Every team member is a VIP. Every person you meet is a VIP.

Not just for today. But for all times.

Keep Multiplying What You’ve Been Given 

This lesson doesn’t just apply to clients; it applies to every area of your life.

You’ve been given gifts—skills, resources, time, opportunities. How you use those gifts matters.

When you multiply what you’ve been given by serving others well, you’re honouring not just those you serve but also the One who gave you those gifts in the first place.

Whether you’re a leader, a professional, or someone looking to make a difference, ask yourself this:

• How can I treat the people I encounter as VIPs today?
• How can I deliver my best, regardless of what I think someone brings to the table?

When you adopt this mindset, you don’t just impact lives—you create a legacy.

And Now…for Today

As you step into your day today, remember this:

Every person you serve is a VIP.

You may not see the impact immediately, but trust me—there’s power in treating people well.

Small moments of kindness, care, and respect can change lives. And sometimes, they’ll change yours, too.

Keep winning at work and in life.

Tola Akinsulire

I am a Workplace Multiplier.

Like this?

Please pay it forward by sharing it with someone who could benefit from it. They will thank you for it.

Want to get in on some of the lessons I have picked up in my career? Get my eBook "21 Lessons I Learned in My Career - A Primer to Help You Become Better at Work". Get it here

Was this forwarded to you? Sign up so you don't miss any edition. Click here to sign up.