Say thank you
As in, on a card.
No cold, white, computer paper.
In your own handwriting.
With a pen that isn’t running out of ink.
Sharpies are nice. I like thin and medium tipped.
It’s a good way to connect. They’ll remember you.
Of the thousands of books Black Irish gives away every year? I remember the ones who say thank you. The e-mails are in the dozens. The hand-written notes? Count them on my hands.
When I work with clients? There’s a long list of moving pieces. The never-cut, most-often repeated one? The thank you.
I served up Mama and her trolls two weeks ago. The positive force canceling her crazy clan’s negative? The thank you.
Two short, powerful words.
If you’re at a loss on how to make a new connection… Start with a thank you. But…
Mean it.
Don’t do it because you want something in return, even though you do kind of hope something will come in return.
Be gracious.
Be genuine.
Be real.
Kindness is appreciated. When you send it out. It will return.