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

Be Thankful For The People In Your Life

For the past few years I have used the Thanksgiving weekend as a trigger to remember those that I am thankful for in my life.

I am not sure where I got the idea, but each year I make a list of the 25 people I am most thankful are along for the ride in my journey. The list includes those who have been influential in my whole life and those that made a specific impact in the current year.  I do not publish this list, as it is not a brag sheet, but instead I use it to contemplate on those who make a difference in my world.  I then try to make sure that I let them know in some way that I appreciate their presence.

There is some poetic license uses in my list making.  I give a single slot to groups, couples and families that together contribute in some ways.  This might include the whole group of people I am actively engaged with in a business organization, or a family (husband, wife and kids, etc....) that are all part of my circle.  Yes, this means the list is bigger than 25 people, but it also allows me to think about the big picture and not worry about the numbers on the list.

My own immediate family gets individual lines, as I like to think of my wife, kids, brothers, parents, etc... with a highlight on the individual joy they bring.

With each person (or group) added to the list I contemplate the how and why I appreciate having them in my life and how they make me a better person. Some reasons are clear, some are broad, but all leave a mark in my heart.

I am thankful for the people in my life.  I know who they are, and I hope that I find ways to give back to their lives.  By taking the time to write down a list it ensures that I am not taking them for granted.

Who is special in your world?

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

What Message In A Shortcut?

I have been asked a lot about sending cards and thank you notes via online services that print the card and mail it out via the US Postal Service.

Those sending cards via these shortcuts get very excited that they are sending a personal touch in the physical world, but is it equal to a handwritten note?

Using a "short cut" is better than not sending a card.  However, the person getting the card knows when you hand wrote it yourself or used a service (even if it looks like hand writing).  Therefore, it is not equal.

I suggest we all think about the message we send when we do things part way:

 "Thank you, but not thank you enough for me to take the time to write this myself". 

Sending an email as a "thank you".... it is a good thing, but not as powerful as the real handwritten note.  I am NOT saying it is bad.... but people know the difference. The same is true of these online or mobile phone services. Too few people say "thank you" at all... so a service is a good option if you will never hand write the note..... but I say you should pen the note by hand.

What do you think?

Have A Great Day!

thom singer

The Thank You Economy

Gary Vaynerchuk's new book, "The Thank Your Economy" is a good read.

(Disclaimer:  I know Gary.  We have met several times at conferences, and I drove him around Austin when he spoke at an event here last fall.  We are not close friends, and when he buys the New York Jets someday I do not expect an invite to the owners box.)

The stuff he talks about in the book is important.  Most people I work with instinctively understand that all business is personal, and that people choose to do business with those they know, like and trust.... but we get so focused on ROI and systems that a personal conversation does not make the list of business strategies.

Brand managers and left-brained professionals are obsessed with numbers (and the numbers do matter).... but people matter too.   Make someone feel significant and they will come back.  Leave them feeling like a number and you suck.

I have been teaching my philosophy of "Cooperative Significance" for years.  What Gary says in his book is not rocket science.  But you are most likely NOT doing the things necessary to stand out in our noisy social-media world.  The small personal actions can make you a giant.

If you have ever seen Gary speak live you know he is a force of nature. His passion makes him one of the best public speakers out there (even though he can be known to use the "F-word" over 30 times in a 60 minute presentation!... I know, cuz I counted!!!).  But his message holds strong printed in a book.

If you are one of those folks who say "I don't read books".... then realize you lose by not reading this one.  Just suck it up and read the 234 pages.  (then go read one of my books!)


Have A Great Day.

How To Give Like A Billionaire (Anyone Can Be A Philanthropist!)

The December 2010 issue of Money Magazine has a great article by Dan Kadlec about philanthropy. "How To Give Like A Billionaire" chronicles the things that Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg, and other uber-rich do when they support worthy causes. Recently Buffett famously urged his peers to give away half their wealth, and while the average person cannot part with half, there are lots of things we can do to have a greater impact in our charitable efforts.

Several years ago I approached a famous local philanthropist at a networking event and asked how I could help with a local cause, of which he was spear-heading the fund-raising efforts. He asked me if I could write a check for $10,000 (or more). When I replied "No", he turned his attention to others in the cluster of people, as if I had just evaporated into thin air. No "big check" meant I was invisible to this man and his cronies.

This exchange hurt my feelings and put a sour taste in my mouth about philanthropy for several years.

Three years ago I gave it another try. When I became a professional speaker and started earning extra money from my presentations, training workshops, and EmCee-ing events, my wife and I decided that we wanted to connect our successes to a worthy cause. We approached the Dell Children's Medical Foundation (the new Dell Children's Hospital was just opening its doors in Central Texas). We selected this charity because our youngest daughter, Kate, had been born with a medical condition that required major surgery when she was an baby. We had to look out of the area for the best level of doctors and facilities, because Austin did not have a "state-of-the -art" children's hospital at that time. With this new medical center, other families who faced similar issues in the future would not need to travel to find the best care.

The staff of the Foundation were wonderful, and helped us set up the "Kate Singer Endowment for Cranio-Facial Research". We pledged 5% of the money I earn through speaking fees to this cause, and by making small donations consistently over three years the money has added up. This year we met our first giving milestone, and have directed our giving to a similar endowment at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego (where Kate received her treatment 8 years ago). When we reach an equal amount in donations we will split our efforts to 2.5% to each hospital into the future.

Had we given small amounts to many random charities (who call on the phone at dinnertime) we could never see the impact that our donations can have in the long run. By selecting one or two causes and being dedicated to the giving plan, you can better understand how your dollars add up over time.

The Money article sights several things that regular folks can do to borrow a few pages from the playbook for the super rich, and do more for favorite causes without giving away a fortune:

*Write bigger checks to fewer charities

*Plan out your giving for the year and take the time to research charities

*Give away highly appreciated assets

*Round up your like-minded friends and pool your charitable resources (we do a fundraiser on this blog every February to raise money and awareness for Dell Children's Medical Center).

*Work giving into your estate planning

*Open a donor-advised fund to spread your giving over time

*Give time to your favorite cause.

I hope that people will not feel that giving is reserved for the rich, and that negative experiences like I had with that wealthy "philanthropist" will not sour them on the idea of making a difference. Additionally I want charities to look beyond the "elephant hunting" tactics of seeking only rich donors. Seeking to make connections with average people who will consistently give, and then cherishing their contributions as much as they do the "big checks", can have an even greater effect on an organization than simply getting money.

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Post "Me Generation" Economy

Get ready for a big gulp of gratitude!

The hot topic for 2011 is "Gratitude" (AKA: Showing Appreciation, Saying Thank You, etc...).

Two best selling authors are releasing new books on this topic early next year (Tim Sander's "Today We Are Rich", and Gary Vaynerchuk's "The Thank You Economy"), and countless articles on the subject are already appearing in magazines, newspapers and across the Blogosphere. Keynote speakers at conventions and company meetings across industry lines are delivering the message - "Say Thank You!"

Look around, you will see this too. It is the new "Buzz Word".

And this is a good thing!!!!

The concept of expressing appreciation is hardly new. Most people had a parent or grandparent who tried to instill the importance of sending that handwritten thank you note following receipt of a gift. One person recently told me of his aunt who would not send birthday presents the following year unless a thank you note had been received from the previous birthday (and she gave cash as gifts!). It is standard etiquette. Emily Post style.

But we lost our way from doing the simple things that really do matter. The "Me Generation" ran rough-shot over those things that took effort and produced no instant gratification. (Why send a note? You already got the gift!).

For all the boom-boom times and fun, the "Me Generation" (and all that went with those heady times) had some flaws. Today there is clearly a shift in our society to move "Back to Basics", and one of those basics is gratitude.

I have been writing and speaking about this topic for over five years. My first book (and all my books since) and early speeches included lessons of the power of sending hand written notes, and finding amazing and memorable ways to say "Thank You" to those who helped you succeed (beyond a text that reads "thx dude" as one person sent me recently!).

If you want people to send you opportunities then you must let them know you appreciate their efforts. Too many people get busy and forget this step. Those who send referrals are quick to send the next one to someone else if you fail acknowledge them. The well goes dry if you do not show gratitude.

As we move into this "Post Me Generation Economy" there will be many things that will surprise us as revolutionary ideas (that are really old-time common sense). The focus on gratitude is just one topic. We already see the younger generations looking for ways to simplify their lives and placing priorities on community, charity, environment and other non-self-centered causes.

What else is key to "Getting Back To Basics"????

Have A Great Day.

thom singer

Help A Friend Out (#HAFO) and Thank Those Who Help You

I advise people that a great way to become relevant in your business community is to be a person who helps others find their success. Seeking ways to assist people to get closer to their dreams makes them pay more attention to your existence. Also, when people return the favor, and help you... you MUST show your appreciation. Being a "giver" and a "thanker" are key ways to raising your own visibility.

Sounds simple, right?

Seems like "fluff advice", right?

Appears too elementary, right?

Ummmm, yes, but so many people fail to make helping others part of their routine that those who do it stand out from the crowd. Everyone is so busy trying to expand their horizons that they are not seeing the easy ways that they can impact others. Because of this, when you step up... people are blown away by your generosity.

Additionally, too many people forget to say "thank you" to those who do bring them opportunities, and that undermines the whole process. When you forget to show gratitude, it sends a message that you expect them to serve YOU....and nobody likes that type of response. Thus they think twice before helping you the next time.

You are always being observed, and those who see you as one who gives and thanks will want to be in your circle of influence. If they see you as a "taker" they will run like heck in a different direction.

Tim Tyrell-Smith blogged this week on his "Tim's Strategy Blog" about helping others. He mentioned that if you want to be awesome in your everyday life you should find ways to think less about yourself and more about others around you. He also created a Twitter Hashtag and encourages people to use it daily when "tweeting" info that "helps a friend out" (#HAFO).

Two best-authors, Tim Sanders (Love Is The Killer Ap) and Gary Vaynerchuk (Crush It!) are both releasing books in 2011 on the topic of gratitude and saying "thank you". This topic is HUGE, and will get bigger once their books are released (both are predicted to be best-sellers). Chris Brogan writes about this consistently on his blog. Fast Company Magazine (this month) has an article by "Do Something" CEO Nancy Lublin called "Two Little Words",... yep, she is talking about "Thank You"!

Why so much ink being given to this? BECAUSE IT MATTERS and people do not seem to do these simple things that lead to more success in the long run.

Will people listen to Tim, Tim, Gary, Chris, Nancy and me?

Or will things remain the same? (my guess is they will remain the same)

Many people claim they want to "help" others, but never get around to it. They profess they understand the power of saying "thanks", but once they get busy with their own stuff, they fail on the necessary steps to appreciate.

This means if you help others, and show gratitude to those who help you, you will stand out from the crowd. In today's crazy world you need to find ways to shine. And is there a better way to win than being one who assists and praises others along the way.

Try it this week. Help and Thank. Help and Thank. Repeat.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Oh,... and THANK YOU FOR READING MY BLOG!

Can I Pick Your Brain? - Sorry, There Is Nothing Left :)

Scott Ingram at NetworkInAustin.com has a new post on his blog called "Brain Picking Is Rude". In this posts he talks about how people often call others (those they know and successful strangers) and ask "Can we get together so I can pick your brain....".

Scott has some good advice for those who are seeking advice (do not just show up unprepared, but have a purpose for you meeting. Additionally, if you are the "picker", find ways that you can provide value to the "pickee"). You should read his thoughts.

I thought I would add my two cents to this topic and expand on Scott's wisdom.

1. Gush a little. If you are calling someone because you admire their accomplishments and seek advice, be sure to tell them as much. Make people feel important, not that you somehow deserve the audience. If you are seeking guidance, say so -- do not try to position the get together as something else.

2. Be flexible. If you are asking for time on their calendar, find a way to be available at the time they suggest. If they say "7:00 AM", do not say "Oh, I can't, I have to take my kid to school". Instead get your spouse to drive your child that day or make arrangements with a friend. If you are looking for a favor (time on their schedule), you need to work around them... not the other way around.

3. Ask them how you can help. Just because they are more successful does not mean they do not have needs. Be sure that you find out what you can do to add value. Then look for ways to take action. You will be surprised when you help others how quickly they (or someone else...KARMA!) will return the favor.

4. Send a "thank you" note. Yes, handwritten. Blah, blah, blah... on all the damn excuses. If you cannot find 5 minutes to send a thank you note to someone who sat with you for an hour and shared advice, then you are not worthy of their time. I hear so many reasons why people don't do this, and have never heard one that is credible. Just send the note. Even if you simply use email.

5. Be available to help others. The sad thing that I regularly witness is successful people who had others extend them a hand up along their journey who are suddenly "too busy" to make themselves available to help others. Few people have reached the top by themselves. But once they get to the highest levels some forget how fortunate they were to have mentors, guides, and friends who assisted them along the way. Return the favor to those who helped you by being one who will help others.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Thank You For Reading This Blog

Greg Nemer at the Internet Business with Purpose Blog is participating in Darren Rowse's Problogger.Net 31-Days to Build a Better Blog Challenge. He left a comment on Darren's blog that he was going to follow his advice and make today, April 10th, "Reader Appreciation Day" on his own blog.

Dang, that is a good thought! So I am going to copy that idea right here at the Some Assembly Required Blog. Not all ideas have to be original. Inspiration should spread organically!

WELCOME BLOG READERS - AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR PART IN ASSISTING ME IN PURSUING MY LIFE'S DREAM!

Four years ago I began blogging. I was anticipating the release of my first book, "Some Assembly Required: How to Make, Grow and Keep Your Business Relationships" and I began the blog to help extend the message and reach of the book. I was not sure how to blog, what to say, or if anyone would come to read these little ditties I was writing.

But readers did come, and then I felt an obligation to keep writing. I hope that this blog has inspired others. For me it has helped fine tune my skills as a writer and has served as a type of communal therapy. For that I can never properly say thank you to all of the regular readers, subscribers and those who just drop in via a random Google search. This blog and the dialogue with each of you has guided me toward being a better person.

We have come a long way at New Year Publishing since the release of that first book and the start of this blog. My life-long friends and business partners and I have left full-time jobs to work in this company. We have ten books that have been completed by a variety of authors, and many more being released in 2009. Additionally, we all actively have business consulting engagements and I have my career as a professional speaker.

None of this could have happened without all of you who have read this blog and have purchased my books. I am not sure that "Thank You" are even strong enough words to express the gratitude.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend. May the spirit of joy fill your hearts.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Thank Your Network In The Last Week Of The Year

This post originally appeared as a guest blogger post on the Austin Startup Blog.

2008 is coming to an abrupt close. This year in business will not soon be forgotten (although many will try). We have seen many ups and downs, and the economy has been rocked on several levels.

As people begin to look toward 2009 most companies and business professionals are focused on the future, but with one week remaining on the calendar now is a great time to reflect on the people who have had the greatest positive impact on you and your business over the past 12 months.

Nobody lives in a vacuum: we all have employees, co-workers, family members, friends, clients, vendors, mentors and others who have impacted us for the better during 2008. In the busy world where we all live and work it is easy to forget to take the time to honor those who have assisted us in the good times and bad.

Sure, you sent a holiday card or an occasional email, but have you made the effort to praise the people in your network who make a difference? I suggest that before you go home on December 31st that you find some unique way to let those people know you appreciate them and what they have done to make your life better.

Select five, seven or ten individuals who stood out the most in helping you in the past year and reach out to them. Do not just send a blind cc’d email to the group, but instead make a personal contact that will specifically let them know how they made a difference in your life this year. Be clear that you want them to know you appreciate their influence on your life, and that you hope you can find ways to be equally helpful to them in 2009.

Sending an email is okay, but a handwritten note or a phone call would be even more meaningful. I am not discrediting emails, but they are the very easiest way to communicate. If you want to stand out, put in the extra effort and make it special (we are only talking about a few notes or calls).

In a tough economy your network matters more than ever. All opportunities come from people, thus if you respect the people who have helped you get this far, you will find they will be there for you again in the future. Everyone enjoys receiving a “thank you” for their efforts.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Thanksgiving Week

As I mentioned in a post a few days ago, I love the concept of Thanksgiving. It is one of the best holidays.

Sure one reason is the great food (mmmm Pumpkin Pie and homemade cranberry sauce!), but the real reason is that it is important for each of us to step back for a moment and look at the things in our lives for which we are grateful. Nobody is an island, and we are interconnected to so many other people who help us achieve that it is important to recognize and acknowledge others.

The work week of Thanksgiving is always short, as most of us in the United States are given both Thursday and Friday as a day off. The school kids get even more (when I was a kid we just got Thursday and Friday off, but my kids get Wednesday, and some districts and private schools just close for the whole week!), which takes parents off focus at work as they figure out childcare issues. Thus this is a great time to reach out to people, as you should have some free time, since many others you normally interact with are gone. Do not fall into to common trap of not reaching out to people this week by assuming they are all out of the office. You will be surprised how many are at their desk with some time to take your call!

Think about the five people who have had the strongest impact on you in 2008. Clients, co-workers, friends, family-members, neighbors, the barista at Starbucks who always smiles in the morning -- whoever has made your world brighter. Now find a way to say "Thank You" to them. Don't be shy, as this is Thanksgiving Week. You can cloud it in your personal ongoing tradition of always thanking the five whom impact your life (even if this is the first year of your tradition!). They will be thrilled by your gesture.

Here five groups of people who most impacted my life this year who I would like to thank (the list is longer, but we will stick with five for the purpose of this blog post):

My wife and daughters. I am thankful that we have had a healthy and productive year. I appreciate their support of my busy career schedule coupled with my author / speaker business. While our schedule is crazy and hectic.... they are the purpose behind all my goals and ambitions. I congratulate them all for their personal achievements this year.

My father-in-law and his wife. This summer they took our family for a two week vacation in Italy. A week in Venice and a week on Lake Como will forever be remembered as a wonderful opportunity to escape the regular routine of life and share unique experiences with my wife, kids and my in-laws. There generous gesture of the trip was the highlight of the year.

My business partners at New Year Publishing. Over the past three years my life has forever been changed for the better because Dave and Leslie Morris and New Year Publishing. Our joint venture of New Year Publishing continues to grow and open new doors for all of us. The experience continues to bring me new learning opportunities and allows me to live my dream as a professional speaker. I would also like to honor my first co-author, Marny Lifshen. We completed "Some Assembly Required: A Networking Guide for Women" this year, and working with her on this project has been a very positive experience. The book is selling well and we are getting great reviews.

Everyone at vcfo. I enjoy working at this growing and dynamic company. I have enjoyed the past year as much as any year in my career. The people are professional and have challenged me to stretch myself. I am confident I have made an impact on the company, and look forward to continuing to do so in the new year.

My dad and brothers. This was a unique year for the Singer family. Dad sold his home and moved into a retirement facility (at age 94). Thus my brothers and I had to sort through six decades of my parent's lives. We had our annual family reunion at Dad's house as we boxed up countless memories. I will never forget the last evening sitting on the diving board drinking wine with my brothers (out of mom's Waterford Crystal Goblets) as we toasted the good memories that we had shared in the house. Very emotional for me, as I grew up in that house, knowing I would never be there again. But home is not a building, it is the relationships we share with those we call family. It was a sad time in some ways, but also a testament to my parents life. I was reminded that I am a very fortunate guy.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Thanksgiving Memory

I enjoy Thanksgiving. I remember being just a lad and my mother would host some extended family for turkey and all the trimmings.

My dad was in charge of carving the bird. I did not inherit his skill, as I tend to mutilate the poor turkey each time I carve.

My grandmother would come. For grace we would all stand and take turns saying something we were thankful for in the past year. The rule was that you could be simple, detailed or even funny, but you had to have something serious for which you would share your thanks. You could not pass or make a joke for the sake of being a cut up.

Grandma, who died in the spring of my first grade year, would always go last (respect to the elder matriarch). She would list her ten children, twenty-six grandchildren (not one-by-one!) and then wrap up the circle of thanks by adding that she was thankful she was the last person in the line....as the food was getting cold!

Every year it made me laugh. Still does for some silly reason.

As we close in on this holiday of the grateful, I hope that everyone can take a moment to look to discover what has made their year just a little brighter. Even in the tough economic climate there are the things that can make our hearts smile.

I could list my things here, but it would fill the page. I am very fortunate and I know it. Thanks to everyone who has touched my life in the past, present and future.

**************************

I also have been investing a lot of thought into my annual "Praise Others Project". Each December I dedicate this blog to praising those I admire. Authors, blogger, speakers, entrepreneurs, friends, etc....

This year I am going to praise the entrepreneurial spirit that is so visible in Austin, Texas. Each day I will write about a person, company, organization or movement that has that spark that creates business. I hope it will be a fun exercise and that you will come and read the daily entries and share them with others.

Have A Great Day.

thom

A Tardy Thank You Note Trumps No Thank You Note

I enjoy it when I get networking questions from the readers of my blog. I received the below questions from a reader who is an excellent networker, referral source and good friend. It is a question I hear often, and one that I believe is important to those who actively cultivate powerful business relationships:

Thom,

When is it too late to send one of those follow up thank you notes. While we all agree they should be sent right away, what if you look up a week later (or two weeks later) and realize you have yet to pen the card?

Is it worse to send a really late one or not one at all?

Sending a "Thank You" note when someone does you a favor or makes a referral is important. The best time to do this is right away. The longer you wait, the more likely you will forget to send the card. Additionally, your prompt response shows the other person that you value their graciousness and appreciate their efforts.

However, the facts of real life are that sometimes you forget for a few weeks, or even longer. One day you realize, "Dang-nab-it, I never followed up to show my gratitude to that person!".

I think that it is never too late to say "Thank You". If you believe that too much time has passed to still be fresh, own up to the tardy nature of your note and tell the person that you should have acknowledged them sooner. But even late, remember that the person being thanked will still appreciate your note.

To never say "Thank You" might leave you looking selfish. One pet-peeve that I hear from those who make referrals and introductions is that they never hear back from those whom they have helped. They wonder if how their favor panned out and what was the impact. This limbo of never being thanked makes many folk weary of making future efforts on behalf of those who never respond.

Your best way to get future favors is to say "thank you". Even late, a Thank You Note is amazingly powerful.

Have A Great Day.

thom

Tell Others "Great Job!"

When you appreciate someone .... tell them.

Last night I had the honor and privilege of serving as the Master of Ceremonies for the 8th Annual Austin Business Awards. Twenty-four companies and not-for-profit organizations were honored in six categories for their unique contributions to making Austin one of the most amazing places to live and work.

I had a lot of fun. I tried to motivate the entertain the crowd, and we ended the program, not only on time, but ten minutes early. (Think about that, a major Chamber of Commerce event with 24 awards...and we were ahead of schedule!!!)

One audience member, whom I had never met, came up to me after the event and told me I did a great job. He had walked across the room with the soul purpose of telling me he enjoyed the evening! He had a genuine smile, and his words made my day.

Speaking is part of what I do for my career, but having people seek you out and tell you they appreciate your efforts, even when it is routine.... embraces your soul.

I was reminded by this man's gesture that I too should seek out those who impact my world and tell them they are doing a great job... even if it is just part of their daily grind. We are all touched by those who make our lives easier, or just make us smile.

From the bartista at Starbucks, to your co-workers, to your family --- we all should reach out our hand and say "Great Job!" The people on the other end of your complement will be transformed by your words.

Try this today. Praise others and pay the joy of life forward.

Have A Great Day.

Proof on the Power Of The Handwritten Note

Those who have heard me speak or read my books know that I am a HUGE believer in the power of the handwritten note. I send them all the time. Yes, email is the standard from of business communications these days, but who wants to just be "standard"?

I can talk about his until I am blue in the face, but lets allow success to speak for itself.

My friend Scott is a very successful sales professional who also is one of the leading networkers on the planet. He is also a fan of the written note, and will always send one after a new prospect meeting. Here is the email he got from someone he called on for the first time last week:

"Not to start an endless circle of “thank-you,” “No, thank YOU,” I must say that your note was the first hand-written thank-you note I have received in a business context in years. It is rare to see a hand-written note in this age of emails! You are to be commended for that gesture. We look forward to receiving your proposal."

First hand-written note in a busines context in years? Hmmmmm, and this from the CEO of a mid-sized company. This tells me that vendors selling all kinds of other products are missing the boat. Did Scott stand out above his competition? Yep.

Now, what if you are calling on a company and the competition sends a nice note and you send an email or ignore the gratitude gesture altogether? Imagine having to tell your boss, "We lost the bid cuz I was too much of a lazy ass to spend three minutes to handwrite a note to the prospect after the meeting".

I am sure your employer would agree with all the excuses not to write a note:

I don't have time
My handwriting sucks
It is old school
That stuff doesn't really matter
All customers care about is price
Postage is expensive
We don't have the right stationary
It will look like I am kissing up
I don't know what to write
Handwritten notes are for women (yes, I had someone tell me this at a seminar I was teaching)
Email is faster and therefore more effective
Email leaves a digital trail for the file
My clients work in high tech, so they prefer emailed communications
Nobody opens snail mail these days
Only the customers assistant will see it if I mail it

You can make excuses all day long, but the CEO who thinks you are to be commended for your gesture of the note will also be more likely to buy your product!

Have A Great Day.

thom
www.thomsinger.com

Recognize & Praise The Heck Out Of Good Service

I went to Home Depot on Brodie Lane in Austin today to buy some steel. Yes, raw chunks of steel. Metal. Grrrrrrrrr.

Not as odd as it sounds when you hear it is for my ten-year-old's 5th grade science project. She needed ten pieces of steel that could be part of an experiment on rust. The problem is that all nails, bolts, washers and other metal products that Home Depot sells are all non-rusting treated metals. Sure, that is what you want when you are building actual things...but when you want to experience rust and decay you can quickly become frustrated by all our modern advances.

Robert in the Tool Rental department was there to help me. I am not sure that every Home Depot employee would have gone to the lengths to help me with my minor problem . His own kid had done a similar science fair project, so he fully knew that I need to get a steel rod and cut it into two inch pieces. Robert quickly assessed my lack of skills in the world of do-it-yourself projects, and asked if I had the proper tools to cut the raw steel pipe that he had located.

Ummmmm, yeah, .... I don't do much work around the house, much less projects that involve needing a vice and a hack saw.

Rather than causing me the pain of trying to do this myself, Robert volunteered to take the metal pipe into the back and cut it himself. In a matter of five minutes he returned with the matching pieces of steel. This is customer service at its finest, and solidified my allegiance to Home Depot over Lowes (which is located a block away).

I am going to visit homedepot.com and send a message to the powers that be in his company making sure they know that they have a great employee. My guess is they already know, as this type of "customer first" actions are not a one time thing. Too often these days in Big Box retailers you find a crew of clock punchers. Not Robert.

When you see good service you need to go out of your way to praise. Our world seems all too eager to let people skate past with accomplishing only the minimum. If we collectively scream out with delight when we encounter an example of "WOW", maybe more people will be motivated to go the extra mile.

Have A Great Day.

thom
thomsinger.com

What in the world does Thom Singer want in 2008

I am a big believer in setting goals and pondering all the opportunities the world has to offer in bounty. I want to achieve more each year than I did the year before. I do not want to settle for a good life when I know in my soul that great things are within reach. You might say I am a "seeker".... as I am clearly one who seeks to discover things I do not yet know and I seek to improve.

Each year for as long as I can remember I set goals for myself. I have three categories: Personal/Family Goals, Professional Goals, and Soul Goals. I write them down and carry them with me, reviewing them often (I want to review them daily, but do not do it that often). I strive to be a better man in all areas of my life. Yes, sometimes I come up short.

Having written goals has proven to help me expand my horizons. I do not always achieve all my targets, but it does help me stay on the path toward success. If I make a mistake and get off course, it is these written goals that serve as a map and compass to get me refocused on what is important in my life.

2007 was a good year. While I did not reach all my goals, and I did change directions on my career (I left Wells Fargo Bank and joined vcfo as their director of business development in September...which has been a fantastic move for me. To become part of such a dynamic, growing and entrepreneurial organization excites and inspires me), I feel that I have made great strides in discovering myself.

My career as a professional speaker also excelled in 2007, as I gave 32 presentations, and traveled to five states (I would like to give speeches in all 50 states by 2017). I released a second book, started the process to write three more, and relaunched my website. (If you have not visited www.thomsinger.com, please pop over there right now!). Finally my family established The Kate Singer Endowment for Cranio-Facial Surgery at the Dell Children's Medical Foundation. We donate a portion of all money I earn from my professional speaking opportunities to this great cause.

So what does Thom Singer want in 2008?

I want to learn, I want to teach, I want to inspire and I want to be inspired. I hope to expand my understanding of the changes that are happening to the business community because of the influx of developing technologies. I sit in an interesting place being wedged between the baby boomers and the younger generations, and I want to discover how that unique juxtaposition can assist others to find ways to better work together.

I have a strong desire to be a catalyst in the lives of my family. I have two highly-spirited daughters who show signs of being able to be more than just "one of the crowd". I want to cultivate their souls to become confident young women. I want them to know the meaning of unconditional love and allow them to discover their own path toward positively impacting others. Together with my amazing wife, I hope that we can inspire these kids to know no limits. I also want to continue experiencing fun stuff with my family and look forward to our travels through life in the new year.

I want to help my company prosper. I trust that I bring unique skills and ideas that will assist in the continued growth and expansion, and that we will all achieve new levels in 2008. I have responsibly for growing the brand, reach and understanding of the organization in our existing markets and as we go into new cities. I am challenged by this role and look forward to the new year with working with some very cool people.

I want more people to read my books, my blog and to attend my presentations. It is through these mediums that I feel most at home in expressing myself. I want to build a connections with those who follow my work and learn from them. I look at the community of people I am connected with through traditional networking and new media tools (ie: Blogging, LinkedIn, Facebook, Plaxo Pulse, Twitter, etc...) ...and I am touched by the special interwoven shared respect that has grown up between participants. I want to excel this to new levels.

I look forward to the 2008 release of "Some Assembly Required for Women", and "Some Assembly Required - Online" which I am writing with co-authors Marny Lifshen and David Morris. These books are taking shape, and I am learning a lot from the process. I hope that these books touch the readers and propel them toward networking success.

I want to give back to my community. Expanding my support for the Children's Hospital and completing my experience with the Leadership Austin 2008 Essentials Class are my focus for the new year. Through these phenomenal organizations I hope to be an example for others. I am young in my journey of community service, but have already seen that the returns outweigh the investment.

In all I do, I want to do it with passion and excitement. I am tired of just being. Instead I want to taste all the flavors. I want my actions to have meaning and to make sure that I am making a difference to others with all that fills my calendar. Time is a limited resource and the only thing in life that is closed to expansion. We get 24 hours everyday, and we make the choices in how to utilize this precious resource. I have wasted much time in my life, and I am dedicated to being a better steward of the hours I have in the future.

Most of all, I want to be grateful in the new year. I cannot begin to express how fortunate I feel to be alive and to share my world with so many wonderful people. I do not believe that I do a good job of letting those in my slice of the planet know how much I admire each one of them. I am the person I am today because of the people who have touched my life. Some people have come in and stayed. Others have just passed through. And yet I have been sculpted by all of them.

If you have made it to the end of this extraordinarily long post, I thank you. As we start 2008 I hope you will come back to The Some Assembly Required Blog and join me in the journey. You can subscribe to the RSS feed, or just visit on occasion..... but please leave comments from time to time, as your thoughts and feedback are what allow me to grow this blog and grow myself.

Happy New Year.

thom
www.thomsinger.com

Appreciation Bomb

I once read about the concept of an “appreciation bomb”. I think this comes from Christine Comaford-Lynch, author of Rules for Renegades, but I am not positive.

The idea is that you spend some time focusing on things that you love and for which you are grateful. This is not something you do passively, but instead a proactive and emotionally charged exercise where you go through all the wonderful things you can think of in your life that bring a smile to your face. Do not just skim over the image you create in your mind, but instead concentrate deeply on what it is about the person, place or thing that is special, unique and fills you with joy.

This is not easy to do, it takes personal effort to focus on only the joyous things in your world. But wonderful things exist for each of us and are intimately linked to our soul. As you ponder the good in your life, you should allow yourself to overflow with emotions. If you shiver or cry you are on the right track. If your mouth curls up into a cheek splitting smile, you are doing this correctly.

Spend ten or fifteen minutes lost in your appreciation. Flood your conscious and unconscious mind with pure love, happiness, passion and peace.

After you drop this bomb on yourself, be prepared to have some amazing opportunities come into your life in the near future. The universe rewards those who recognize their blessings and are grateful for all of the greatness that surrounds them. The Law of Attraction brings you more of what you think about, so spend some time thinking about what is already phenomenal around you.

Does this sound hokey or too new age for you? Okay. But think about it for a minute. Does spending a quarter of an hour being truly grateful cause you any harm? No. So we know for sure that nothing damaging can come from feeling thankful in your heart and soul. If this is true, then why not do it anyway? If nothing else, you will feel good. And just in case the concept of an “appreciation bomb” really does bestow upon you more great things.... who wouldn’t want that.

Give it a try.

Have A Great Day

thom
www.thomsinger.com

***Looking to hire a speaker for you 2008 planning meeting? I have a great presentation focusing on the power of business relationships that will inspire your team to embrace networking. More info at www.thomsinger.com or www.askthomsinger.com.

A Class Act Is Never Forgotten

I write a lot on this blog about how a simple gesture can really make another person feel good. Today I got to be on the receiving end of a class act that made my day. I am still smiling.

I recently started a new job with vcfo, inc as the director of business development. The company is an Austin based consulting firm (now in four cities) that enables busy finance and HR departments to better accomplish their tasks by providing hands-on experienced talent to achieve results. I like the job, and find it to be both rewarding and challenging. In addition, the staff is made up of a team of talented and entrepreneurial people, which makes for an inspiring work environment. I have been here a month, and am energized by the opportunity to be part of the company's continued growth.

When I walked in my office this morning I discovered a nice bottle of wine on my desk. It was from the corporate and securities partners in the Austin office of the Andrews Kurth law firm. This is the firm where I used to work in a business development and marketing capacity a few years back. The partners all signed a card congratulating me on my new job, wishing both me and vcfo success in our future together.

Wow! That really made my day (heck, if I feel this good before I drink the wine, imagine how good I will feel once my wife and I uncork this fine Cabernet!!!!). They did not need to take the time and effort to send me a bottle of wine....but I will not soon forget them, or what they did to highlight my new career. I find this to be a class act, and one that does not happen for people often enough.

If you want to stand out from the crowd and be remembered, take the time to find special ways to honor the people in your network of professional contacts when they have a milestone achievement in their life. A bottle of wine, a box of chocolate, or even just a handwritten note of congratulations will be noticed. It will help put you on the top of their mind, and that is where you want to be!

Have A Great Day.

thom

Oh My Gosh, The Cost Of The Postage! - Say It Isn't So

I got this email from Mark R. Miller, a local Austin businessman and soon to be author:

"Thom-

I was riding my bicycle today down to Upper Crust Bakery to meet my wife for lunch. When I parked my bicycle and was locking it up I heard a three young professional having a good laugh. They had just been to some kind of meeting where they were told to follow up with every new contact by sending a letter. The response was that is ridiculous and could you imagine the cost of the postage!! The most important tidbit I have gotten from your seminars and books is to follow up with a hand written note.

-Mark"

This made me laugh all day long. These three young professionals are concerned with the cost of a 41 cent stamp. Their conclusion is that it would be better to let the contact wither away into never-never land than invest a few dollars a week in sending follow up notes.

Most people who I have encountered who balk at the thought of sending handwritten follow up notes come up with all kinds of ridiculous excuses (although this is the first time I have heard anyone say that the cost of the stamp was prohibiting their efforts). Usually people are just lazy and hope for a magical connection to catapult them to immediate symbiotico with the new folks they meet.

Sorry, building business relationships takes effort. Sitting around a bakery mocking the ways to success will get you nothing but a butter croissant.

Have A Great Day.

thom