I was conducting my Building Your Consulting Business seminar at UCLA Extension last weekend when an enthusiastic participant rushed up to me and exclaimed: I wish I had taken this class, years ago!

Of course I thanked him and then, I hope without missing a single beat, I asked: May I quote you on that?

At first, he didnt process the question.

May I use what you just said, I wish I had taken this class years ago in my promotional materials?

Sure, of course! he beamed, perhaps even honored at my request.

Ive learned, over the years, to be a fisher of compliments, references, and testimonials.

Theyre worth their weight in gold, and you know how well gold has been doing lately, right?

When you dont even have to bait your hook for one and it leaps into your hands all by itself, well, what are you going to do, let it slip away or throw it back?

I hope not!

Harvest every single positive statement. Instead of letting it fade into the acoustical void, seize it, repeat it, and then immediately write it down. Be like a good reporter, and confirm the quote with its source before you do, and then youll be assured of having something incredibly useful.

It doesnt matter if you sell Caterpillar tractors or seminars, consulting, and keynote speeches, as I do; if you ask May I share what you just said with other customers and prospects? youll be on your way to building a treasury of persuasive testimonials.

And you can never have too many!