THANK YOU!
Many entrepreneurs and business owners ask me how they can build their relationship capital. I always answer the same way – you build your business through one contact and one customer at a time. There is no magic potion to growth. Continue to find meaningful ways to stay in touch with your contacts as you grow. Writing a personal ‘thank you’ note is one of the many differentiating functions that you can do to ensure you will remain competitive and to stand out and be remembered among the many talented people out there. The personal touch of pen and paper is a memorable gesture of grace and etiquette that will never go out of style. Although social media gives us lots of opportunity to send a nice word or two, acknowledging a work anniversary and the like, there is still nothing that replaces this extra personal touch. The positive power and momentum we can take in, and pass on to others when we say “Thank You” lasts long after the envelope is opened. Instead of waiting until the end of the year to say thank you, I often find the season of Thanksgiving to be a great back drop to send some meaningful thoughts to those people who have played a part in my success.
For centuries, the Bible and every great philosopher in the world have taught us how important it is to be grateful for where we are right now. It will keep us grounded as to what is really important in life, no matter how fast life is moving. There is nothing more charming and memorable than when someone receives a hand written note of thanks from the heart. When it is so easy to just point and click now – which everyone does, make the decision to stand out. It may sound like an ‘old school’ thing to do, but believe me, this gesture alone will separate you from the masses with a tiny ten minute effort on your part. It is important to be reminded how important the two words “thank you” really are. Acknowledge and record how your circle of influence has contributed to your pathway to success. Include your partners, customers, mentors, competition, network of peers and team members and most importantly your family and friends.
Standing on the shoulders of giants is a phrase first recorded in the twelfth century and attributed to Bernard of Chartres. He used to say that ‘we are like dwarfs on the shoulders of giants, so that we can see more than they, and things at a greater distance, not by virtue of any sharpness of sight on our part, or any physical distinction, but because we are carried high and raised up by their giant size.’ As doors continue to open and you grow your business, one of the best things you can do ensure a steady growth is to acknowledge everyone who has brought you to this point in your career and life.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” —John F. Kennedy. The Secret to Success in my opinion is captured in just 3 words – Relationships, Relationships, Relationships. Anyone who has achieved great success knows they could never have done it on their own or alone and acknowledging how they have been a part of your trajectory is just the right thing to do. In fact, the more successful you are, the more contacts and colleagues you have to lean on. Highly successful people know the secret to success and now, you do too!
By: Alli Mang
© Copyright Alli Mang All Rights Reserved
(Excerpt from Alli Mang’s book, Your First Moment Earns You More Moment – Stand Out in Today’s Job Market – both in audiobook and book form from www.amazon.com)
