Sorry I’ve been so quiet lately. I caught a nasty virus that had me down for almost two weeks. Very rare for me. On the off occasion that I do get sick, it’s usually for just a day or two (not a week or two).

The last time I had a virus was a couple of years ago. At the time, there was this terrific little item: Breathe Right nasal strips with Vick’s VapoRub. The Vick’s was right in the nasal strip. How convenient!

Not only could I have my nasal passages held open, but I also had the blast of Vick’s. I always had the best sleep. Just what the doctor ordered when you are sick. I thought those little nasal strips were very helpful when I was recuperating.

It just wasn’t meant to be

For reasons that remain a mystery to me, this happy little marriage wasn’t meant to last.

The first thing I noticed is that they stopped making the nasal strips with Vick’s in large (my size). Anyone who thinks I could have squeezed my nose into the small/medium size the drug store had left on the counter has never come face-to-face (er nose) with my beak.

When I finally found the nasal strips with Vick’s, it was no longer Vick’s, but some mentholated substitute.

 

Sure, they are nasal strips. And, Yes, they are mentholated.
But, nothing beats the original.

 

 

 

I’ve spent the last two weeks doubling up on nasal strips and Vick’s so that I could get a good night of sleep.

A high value client relationship

Chris Garrett asked an excellent question on his blog, “Who is your blog for?” The point Chris came to is a valuable one whether you write for a blog or not.

What purpose does your work serve?

That purpose should be mutually beneficial. Beneficial for you. Beneficial for the client.

A case of lost value

The Breathe Right / Vick’s marriage had tremendous value. This was a case where a strategic alliance between two products produced value. Customer’s, like sick-ol’-me, reaped a benefit.

I can only infer that there was some loss of value for the folks at Breathe Right or Vick’s.

I’ve certainly experienced the impact on the quality of my life over the last two weeks.

Highest and Best Use

Another way to interpret Chris’s question is to challenge you to find your highest and best use. Your highest and best use is that place where your contribution to highly valuable client relationships is at its most optimal.

More on Highest and Best Use, and some of the unanticipated barriers to you achieving it.