Valuable Lessons from DirecTV

I have been a DirecTV customer for almost six years. My contract expired 4 years ago, but I am still a loyal customer. The other day when my kids tried to watch Nickelodeon, they were a little upset to find a public service announcement -trying to explain why DirecTV wasn’t carrying that channel right now- instead of iCarly. (But that’s not what this post is about)

So anyways, I called DirecTV just to try to find out 1) If they thought they might get their missing channels back soon, and 2) to see what kind of deal I could get if I re-signed a contract with them.

I am trying to lower all of our bills, so figured I could start with the cable. I had visited their website and found this!

Now, I was not expecting the same deal as a new customer but I thought they might try to work with me, considering I’m not in a contract and could potentially cancel at any time. Not to mention the fact that I am a loyal customer!

I researched a couple of packages and asked the girl on the phone about them. Her response? “Oh, no, those deals are for our NEW customers. You are an old customer.” I talked with her for a few minutes more and she tried to offer me something else, but it didn’t save me any money, so I told her I would think about it.

After I hung up the phone I thought, “Wow, they are only concerned with getting NEW customers rather than trying to keep the existing, faithful customers they already have happy.” Then I thought, “Wow, What a valuable lesson.”

Being in the ministry we are constantly dealing with people. Both new and existing members, volunteers and staff. The seasons of people’s lives are constantly changing as well as their level of involvement and excitement about being a part of the ministry.  Sometimes when a new person comes on board, it’s easy to try to make them happy. Their excitement and enthusiasm can be invigorating.  However, in the process of building new relationships, it’s important not to let the existing, faithful relationships fall by the wayside. It’s important to maintain the same sense of excitement about our current volunteers as the new ones.

In Isaiah 43:4, God says Since you were precious in My sight,
You have been honored, And I have loved you;

If God sees everyone as valuable and precious, we should too! If He honors and loves everyone, so should we! Take the time today to value everyone in your life, wether it be a new friend or a long-time faithful acquaintance!