This summer while visiting Prague, we came across a little bridge with a railing covered in padlocks of many sizes, shapes and colors. Given the myriad art installations and sculptures throughout that grand city, I assumed it was one more delightful expression. A little quirky perhaps, but at once both intense and whimsical. I thought it was beautiful.

Recently in my reading I discovered that these locks were not necessarily an art installation, though they are certainly aesthetically pleasing. Rather, these are expressions of love, much like carved initials in a tree. In major cities throughout Europe you will find other bridges just like this one. The idea behind “lovelocks” is that a couple will express devotion to one another, carve their initials on the lock and then close the lock on the railing before throwing the key into the river, forever locking the couple in love. Now that I know that, of course, this photo I shot means a bit more.

Love and loyalty is what we seek from our customers whether they come in the form of prospective students and their parents, donors, members, alumni or clients. But what are the symbols of loyalty and allegiance? Beyond our “transactions,“ aren’t we also looking for something to cement our relationship? Something that says, “I trust you. I love you. And I want to hang together forever?”

What are the symbols and expression of loyalty for you and your customers?

-Rick Bailey is the principal and founder of Richard Harrison Bailey/The Agency and author of Coherence: How Telling the Truth Will Advance Your Cause (and Save the World). Follow him on Twitter @RichardHBailey.