Warning: This post does not contain any details not suitable for my children to read someday!

A few weeks ago, I had my yearly check up with my OB/GYN. I was actually somewhat looking forward to seeing her. Weird huh? Well it’s not when you realize how amazing she is.

My OB/GYN is an angel.

My husband and I met her almost two years ago when I was pregnant with our first daughter.  My previous OB/GYN was horrible, cold and had zero bedside manners. Needless to say, going to a new doctor was a little scary given our previous experience.

“Dr. Angel” (not her real name) came highly recommended by an acquaintance who also happened to be a midwife. She knew I was unhappy with my previous doctor and recommended I see Dr. Angel. I remember she said that Dr. Angel was very nice, young and really good with patients.

I made that appointment ASAP and she far exceeded our expectations. We knew immediately after that first consultation that she was the doctor for us. She was beyond compassionate about our previous experience, thoughtful about my “advanced age” and very optimistic that we had good chance for healthy babies in our future.

While pregnant with our first daughter, I was nervous and apprehensive for every appointment. I was just waiting for bad news. However, after every appointment, my husband and I were relieved and excited about the pregnancy. That was all thanks to Dr. Angel. She did everything she could to calm our fears. She asked me how I was feeling, what questions I had, how work was, was I being pampered…and the list went on. Even though we waited an average of 45 minutes to see her, she was well worth the wait. And, it became evident why we waited that long because she took her time with EVERY patient.

We never felt rushed. We were never embarrassed to ask any questions.  Each time we went to the doctor, she was just as pleasant.  One time, we had to wait almost 2 hours because she had an emergency delivery.  That’s understandable given her profession!  When she came into the room, she apologized for making us wait.  What?  SHE APOLOGIZED TO US!

Are you getting a sense of how amazing she is?

As my due date approached, we had more frequent appointments.  All were the same.  I once saw her at the craft store, and she stopped to have a quick conversation with me and we laughed about all the things she had to buy for her kids’ school project.

My last appointment before my daughter was born was funny in some ways.  Dr. Angel walked into the room, happy as she always does, and apprehensively asked, “How are you doing?”  I said, I am done.  I want to have this baby already.  She said she knew that the minute she walked in the room.  She said I had a different look on my face, and my new mom glow was fading.  We made plans to be induced the following Monday if nothing happened over the weekend.

Then, some magical words.

I don’t remember the exact words because I couldn’t believe them, but here’s an idea of what she said:  “I have attended over 80% of my patients’ deliveries.  I try hard to be there for every one of them.  Even though I am not on call this weekend, make sure the hospital calls me if you go into labor.  I am seeing a few patient’s on Saturday morning, but can get away for the delivery.”

On Saturday, April 5, 2008, our first daughter was born at 10:51 a.m. and Dr. Angel delivered her.

About 6 months later, I went back to see Dr. Angel, because I was pregnant again.

She was excited for us.  She said when she saw our names on the patient list for the day, she knew why.  And, she said she was looking forward to seeing us!  Each doctor appointment, we went  as a family, with our oldest daughter in tow.  She held her, kissed her, and doted on her for a few minutes at every appointment.  She gave us practical advice about what to expect with two little ones so close together in age.  She shared her experience with her kids who are 18 months or so apart.

On May 18, 2009, our second daughter was born, and again, Dr. Angel delivered her.

So, when it came time for my annual exam, I was looking forward to seeing her because it was like seeing a friend after a long time.  She connected with us.  We bonded.  She cared about us.  We cared about her.

Now, I share how amazing she is with everyone who will listen.  I recommend her to anyone and everyone who is pregnant, thinking of getting pregnant or needs to find a new doctor.  I even recommended her to my mom!

Dr. Angel is genuinely nice, compassionate and caring.  This is just her nature.  But, it’s a great example of relationship marketing at work.  It is her honesty and genuine demeanor that makes her a great person, a great doctor, and someone you want to be around.

So, the business lesson from my experience is this:

We should all strive to genuinely care about our clients, business partners and customers as if they were family.  Each one of them has needs, a family and things they are trying to accomplish.  By truly caring about other people and their needs, they will care about you.  You will be on the forefront of their  mind, and they will talk about how amazing you are whenever they have a chance.  That will naturally bring you more referrals.

But don’t screw it up!

You need to start this process of relationship building with every new person you meet.  Yes, it will help you be more successful, but it will also fulfill you in other ways that cannot be replaced.  There will be a tangible peace in your life and your business, just knowing that you are surrounded by people you care about, and who care about you.