Sunday, May 4, 2014
It seems to me that the art of the simple “thank you” is may be becoming extinct. As a keynote speaker I am often asked to do a presentation “pro-bono” and when I can and it makes sense I do. I believe in giving back where I can. Recently, I agreed to deliver a “tele-keynote” that required me to do so at a late hour as it was being delivered in a time zone 14 hours ahead of me. I was asked and I was happy to do it. I was promised all of the usual stuff when someone asks….”plenty of exposure, marketing support” and so on. I keep the bar very low and go into it knowing that it is up to me to make something happen.
Here is why I wonder if I should reconsider all of the requests I get for these donated speeches. After I delivered that presentation I expected at least a simple “thank you”. I expected that I would get an email or perhaps a card letting me know that my time and effort expended is at some level was appreciated. A testimonial right here on Linked In would have been wonderful. Perhaps even a (gasp) phone call? Anything to say ?thank you” for helping make that event successful. Is that asking too much? Nope.
What has happened here? Have we become so busy and reactive that we can’t take the time to express in a meaningful and thoughtful manner a sincere “thank you”? In all cases when I donate my time, I do it of my own free will and without expectation of material gain. Its marketing and business development for sure – and that does not obviate the basic human requirement to say ?thank you”. Do you know what those two little words man to me? Everything. Do I hold people to a higher standard to do the right thing? Your damn right I do. So should you.
I had a client once say to me “you?re getting your speaking fee, what more do you want”? I was pretty much appalled at this and though ?how sad that you have lost your way…? Those two words make me way to do more and give more. They let me know that my contribution mattered. That is why I do what I do.
Do those two little words mean everything? They do. The intent and power of the “thank you” screams volumes about you and the organization you represent.
Do you owe anyone a “thank you”? Pick up the phone (NOW) and establish this lost art.
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Are we a “Thank You” Society? appeared first on
Todd Cohen.