- Tip 1: Networking Now Is Part of My Life
- Tip 2: Dedicated Networking Always (DNA)
- Tip 3: The ABCs of Networking
- Tip 4: Open Your Eyes?Networking Is All Around
- Tip 5: Think Motivation M.A.G.I.C.
- Tip 6: Networking Becomes Comfortable Over Time
- Tip 7: Opportunities Are Everywhere
- Tip 8: An Exercise in Attitude
- Tip 9: Act on Things Immediately
- Tip 10: Manage Your Time
- Tip 11: Things to Do
- Tip 12: Time Action Tips to Do Now
- Tip 13: It?s Not Who You Know, It?s Who You Thank
- Tip 14: Face Problems with Innovation
- Tip 15: Never Forget Those Who Help You
Tip 13: It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Thank
Although an entire industry has developed around motivating people through appreciation, it ultimately boils down to what our parents taught us: Say “thank you” to everyone. This may seem like simple etiquette, yet it is amazing what saying thank you can do for your business and personal relationships. When we express our appreciation to clients, co-workers, employees, and friends, their attitudes are positively affected, and positive attitudes impact business and personal success.
An effective way to say thank you is with a gift, because not only is it an expression of gratitude, but it also serves as a reminder, keeping you in the thoughts of others so that they will contact you again. At the end of my training seminars and presentations, I like to stay in touch with the people who I have connected with. One way I do that is to send a small gift right after the program, and then follow up at least every three months with tokens of appreciation to keep my name in front of them.
One year, my holiday thank-you gift to many of my clients and business friends was a light bulb-shaped glass filled with mints, imprinted with, “A world of thanks,” and it included my name. People can continually refill and use the bulb, and I often still see it on people’s desks. It does have a long shelf life.
Other people require a more personalized thank you. In many cases, I take the time to find gifts that fit specific interests. For instance, I know that one client is a cat lover, so I found a wonderful crystal cat for him. Another client loves a certain restaurant, and I gave her a gift certificate. The point is to consider what people will appreciate most.