You May Never Know……

When I was in college (over 35 years ago), I took a certain class that changed my perspective and influenced me to this day. And, it wasn’t the class, it was the professor. Hang with me and let me explain.

After a few years in college, I finally landed on a major. While I was excited about my decision, I was not excited about some of the required courses I was going to need to take to complete my studies. There were several courses I dreaded completing, but there is one that stands out.

This course had the reputation of being incredibly boring. I mean, a total snoozefest and a good way to get a nap in the afternoon as long as you didn’t get caught because of your snoring or drooling on the desk. I discussed this class with a few people who had taken it before, and they warned me about the dry content of the material.

After several semesters of dreading this course, I’ve finally decided that I had to take it and get it out of the way. What I didn’t know was that the professor who had previously taught the course had retired and there was a new, younger professor who had just transferred to my university.

On the first day I sat towards the back hoping that I would not be noticed in case I fell asleep. But I remember his opening statement. He introduced himself and acknowledge the fact that the course had a reputation of being rather dull and mind-numbing. He started to tell jokes about the course and the content he was about to deliver over the next several months. He actually poked fun at the material to be covered and warned us of the long and tedious road ahead. I remember he even cracked a joke about those of us sitting in the back hoping to catch a quick nap and his desire to join us on occasion.

After about 10 minutes of this introduction speech, I realized what he was doing was like a monolog those late night comedians do as they start their talk show. He was warming up the crowd and getting us interested in the topic. In the first few moments he had covered the introduction and the first few pages of our very thick textbook. But he had done it in a way where he had everyone laughing and engaged. I could not believe what was happening. It was like I was at a comedy show watching a comedian own the crowd. Needless to say, I did not fall asleep.

When I attended the next class, I noticed his teaching style had not changed and he covered the material in an entertaining way. It wasn’t all about jokes (he actually taught the traditional way at times) but it was the way he engaged the students and how he presented the formerly boring content.

The rest of the semester followed the same format. Mundane content that was presented in an entertaining and engaging manner. His class was full almost every time and I heard a rumor that there was a waiting list to get in his class the next semester. His teaching style changed the perception of the course and now it was one of the most popular courses in the department.

During that one semester, I found that I visited his office during office hours many times to get an additional help. I had never done that before. I had never voluntarily decided to spend more time than was absolutely necessary on any course. And I got at A in the class!

After graduation and after I started my career, I found myself attempting to model his example. My position often required that I give presentations in front of large and small groups. It’s not that I was trying to be funny during these presentations, it’s that I was trying to think of ways to encourage my audience to listen and participate.

His care and teaching style impacted me so profoundly that to this day, I still talk about him. What he was teaching us was not only the course material but how it is possible to present thoughts and ideas in an engaging way.

I recently looked him up and discovered that he had left the university where I attended a few years after he taught that course and transferred to another university where he has had a long and successful career. He has written dozens of books, has had many articles published in his field of expertise and he has been identified as a subject matter expert.

I have thought many times to reach out to him with the intent of thanking him for how he has impacted my professional life. I’m sure I’m not the only one.

So, what does this have to do with running an online business? Well, I’m glad you asked!

That college professor taught me something far greater than the course material itself. He showed me what it means to connect with people before you try to teach them anything. He cared about his students before he cared about the subject. And that one thing made all the difference.

The same truth applies to building a business online. You may never know who’s watching your videos, reading your posts, or visiting your website for the first time. You may never meet them, but your words, your tone, and your heart can leave an impression that sticks. Just like my professor made a dry subject come alive, you can make your message resonate deeply if you start by caring about the person behind the screen.

When you focus on adding value first before the sale, before the product, before the pitch, you create trust. People don’t remember clever marketing as much as they remember how you made them feel. Your genuine care, your authenticity, and your willingness to help can turn a casual visitor into a lifelong supporter.

Here are 5 reasons why adding value makes a lasting impression:

1. People feel seen and heard. When you genuinely engage and meet others where they are, it reminds them that they matter not just as customers, but as people.
2. Trust grows naturally. Consistently sharing helpful, honest, and relevant content builds credibility that money can’t buy.
3. You become memorable. Adding value through insights, humor, or encouragement makes your brand stand out in a world full of noise.
4. Relationships replace transactions. When you serve first and sell second, people don’t come back because they have to, but because they want to.
5. Your impact multiplies. One helpful act or kind word can ripple far beyond what you’ll ever see, influencing people you may never meet.

Your goal as an online entrepreneur isn’t just to sell a product. It is to make someone’s day a little better because they crossed paths with you. When you lead with empathy, humor, or genuine care, you transform the ordinary into something unforgettable.

Every blog post, every social media comment, every short video is an opportunity to show up with value. You never know who’s listening or how your message might change their outlook. Just like that professor unknowingly helped to shape my career, you might be shaping someone’s confidence, courage, or motivation without ever realizing it.

So, here’s my challenge to you. The next time you create a piece of content, write an email, or share a product, pause for a moment. Ask yourself, “Am I adding value? Am I showing care for the person before the pitch?” Because you may never know how deeply you’ve impacted someone. But they’ll remember how you made them feel.

Add value. Care first. The rest will follow.

I think I will reach out to my former professor and let him know the impact he has had on my career without him ever knowing it. He may not remember me, but I certainly remember him. And what he taught me was much more than the subject matter that semester.

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” — Jackie Robinson

“To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” — Dr. Seuss

And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:

My professor told jokes to keep us awake. I tell jokes and people wish they were asleep.

My goal in life is to make an impact. Mostly on the couch when I sit down after dinner.

Until next time, STAY FRESH, Friends!

 

 

 

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