Last week, a couple of my friends shared an image on social media. It stopped me in my tracks and inspired a smile as I studied it. It's a small storefront on a bleek, grey street, with little more than a light overhanging the door. But they've used yellow paint, from the light down, to make it look as though the storefront, including a little outside table and chairs, are bathed in warmth. 

I have no idea what the proprietors of this little store sell. It could be coffee and cakes, or it could be real-estate. It could be yellow paint. But if I walked by it, I would definitely want to know, and that's rather the point. 

This week, while considering this photo, ask yourself: Does your metaphorical welcome mat hook interest?  Is there something curious, clever or mystery-inducing that compels onlookers to find out more? 

Playful creativity can set you apart. It can create buzz and generate publicity. Roll out an undeniably interesting welcome mat, and you could set yourself apart. 

Douglas Kruger, CSP, is a global speaker and author of five business books with Penguin. He has won the national championships for Public Speaking, through Toastmasters International, a record 5 times.

In 2016, in honour of excellence in his craft, Douglas was inducted into the Speakers Hall of Fame by the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa. In 2018, the National Speakers Association granted him the accreditation of Certified Speaking Professional, a designation held by only 12 per cent of speakers globally.

See him in action, or sign up for his free newsletter, ‘From Amateur to Expert’ at www.douglaskruger.co.za. Email info@douglaskrugerspeaker.com