Saying "Thank You"

Gratitude matters.  How you say "thank you" is expressed by your effort.

A gift certificate for dinner for my family at The Salt Lick (one of our favorite local restaurants) arrived from a friend who lives on the east coast to whom I referred a piece of business.  He could have said "thanks" in many ways, but he made it local and personal.  This took extra effort to orchestrate, but is showed class and real gratitude.

A text saying "THX" is better than nothing.... but a little effort makes the other person feel good, and gets you remembered.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Make Referrals

When you know of someone who is seeking a product or service, take the time to think about who you know in your network that might be the right person to be of assistance.

Too many times we overlook being the person to make a connection.  It only takes a few minutes and when you bring people together everyone wins, including YOU.

Even if it is just the good feeling of helping another person, you still succeed more by making introductions.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Send Your Notes

I dubbed 2014 as the "Year of the Handwritten Note".

Sending notes shows you care.  In a world of easy digital communication the effort of putting pen to paper will allow you to stand out from the crowd.  Physical notes make people feel good. Share that feeling!

The US Postal Service is raising rates on January 26, 2014 (up to 49 cents for a first class letter).  My advice is to stock up on the "Forever Stamps" now (at 46 cents) and then start using them (each letter will feel like a bargain).

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Go Do More

We all have fears and doubts.  Many wear masks and pretend they are masters of their universe, but being human involves juggling the whole spectrum of emotions.  Sometimes our internal dialogue can make us question our abilities and we get side tracked.  

There is nothing wrong with a little fear, doubt, jealousy, envy, etc....  as long as you do not let it derail your future.  It all comes back to making choices and taking actions.  Goals, hopes and dreams are important, but they can only take you so far.  "Doing More" begins with "doing".

Have A Great Day

thom singer

It is not always about you (or me)

Just because something is not organized the way you want it to be..... that does not make it wrong!

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Let People Know What You Want

You must let people know what you desire if you expect them to assist you in reaching your goals. Too often we think that others instinctively know what we seek, and then are disappointed when nobody refers opportunities.

On my email signature I have a sentence at the bottom that says "I am looking for introductions to companies that host "Users Conferences" or other meetings - Thanks!"  While most ignore these words, I also get several leads each year from those who are reminded about my speaking and being a Master of Ceremonies.

If you want something... let people know.

Have A Great Day

Don't Be Jealous

Instead of being envious of other's success, look to celebrate their victories and help them find more wins.  Their success is proof there is a chance for you.  They did not steal your piece of a little pie.  There is an expanding pie and plenty for all who come to the table. 

Cavett Robert, founder of the National Speakers Association, said this about his industry: "Don't worry about how we divide up the pie, there is enough for everybody. Let's just build a bigger pie!" 

He was right, but many still worry about their allotment of pie and get jealous.  

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Don't Label Them

It is simple to judge people and assign them a label.  This is the easy way out for those who do not do the work involved in cultivating relationships.

We cannot really know what person is thinking (or feeling) without first investing in getting to know them.  Many talk of connecting, but never seem to go deep enough to respect the soul of others.  Sweeping generalizations are made about the "whole" of another person based on minor observations.

This is short sighted.  Don't be too fast to toss others aside unless you have put in the time.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

People Make The Difference

Sometimes bad things happen to good people.  We all have those days when we get bad news or face difficult "life situations".  When faced with adverse conditions..... people matter.  A helping hand, smile, nod or a hug is often all it takes transform the sad into the glad.

Sometimes we get the support, other times we give the support.  Be careful not to be caught up in your own BS that you forget others have their own "stuff".

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Be Open, Learn, and Be Coachable

If it were not for reading books (and blogs, magazines, etc...), attending seminars, asking successful entrepreneurs for their advice and being open to seeing myself as a "work in progress"...  my career would be very different.

  

A peer was recently described as "Un-Coachable" by several people who know about success in the speaking business.  This is a limiting character trait, as without all the coaching that has come my way (formally and informally) I would still be the same person I was 15 years ago.  I like the "me" of today more than the "me" of yesterday.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Work Hard

A mentor of mine shared with me a key to her long-term success.  Often people have asked her "How did you do it?", in regards to her building a business.  Some of these who questioned saw her as lucky. 

The truth was she worked hard for over 25 years and never slacked, even when she wanted to rest or felt she had reached the point where she could coast.  She had no other option but to keep working, growing her business, and earning her way in the world.

Have A Great Day

thom singer