The engine light on my car was on for several weeks. A friend recommended a mechanic, and I stopped by for a quick diagnosis.The mechanic spent about 10 minutes with his sensors and gadgets. He said my oxygen sensor was probably ill, and he reset the light for me. He told me my sensor should be under warranty, and I should go back to the dealership.

At my request, he also put air in my tires as I was getting out my wallet.

“No charge,” he said. “I didn’t really do anything.”

No charge? What? He spent at least 20 minutes with me, and he gave me valuable information that saved me money and time. Later on, I found out I could take the car anywhere for the repair so I called him to make an appointment. He said, “No — it should be under a different kind of warranty, and if you bring it to me, it won’t be covered.”

I love this man! I want to give my business to this man! He’s cooler than Fonzie!

I want my clients to feel the same about me….

Today I’m sending out my monthly newsletter, and this issue has an article about tradeshow giveaways. I did an informal survey of people who organize conferences to discover what they give away as promotional items. But I also wanted to know what they picked up themselves.

Turns out people give away lots and lots of pens, but people are tired of picking up pens. And people hate cheap glue on sticky notes, and they’re tired of stuffed animals.

Obviously I don’t make my living as a person who sells promotional products to exhibitors. I’m a writer, and I specialize in the nonprofit and association community. But my philosophy here is that when I provide information that people find helpful, they’re more likely to think of me when they need help.