Does anyone know what the number in the title is? (OK...I'll give you a clue... pop culture, novels, ancient mysteries...)
The number is referenced in Dan Brown's latest novel, The Lost Symbol (amazon link). I noticed something quirky as I was listening to the opening chapters on my commute yesterday. This phone number was referenced, and it's not one of the typical "212-555-1212" variety. Intrigued, I jotted the number down and tucked it away. When I arrived at work, I picked up the phone and dialed.
"You've reached the voicemail of Peter Solomon. Please leave a message."
It was the voicemail of the character from the book. Hmm.
It's a small thing, but it's a detail that I greatly respect. It would have been easy to fabricate a phony number - and it would have been expected by readers - but this little detail added to my level of intrigue and engagement. And throughout the day yesterday it served as a reminder to go a step beyond in my work and not just do what's necessary, but to do the little unexpected things that make the work engaging.
How can you go a little bit beyond expectations today in order to make your work more engaging to your client or target? Just a thought.
