Taking time to say hello

One of the little things that always has an impact on me is when one of my favorite people calls out of the blue to say hi. Maybe its one of my long time friends living in the US or overseas. Maybe its an old colleague from a past job that I really connected with. Perhaps its a family member that I just never get enough time with. It can be a 5 minute call and somehow it just lifts my day.

Years ago I started to send thank you cards to people after meetings. I thought it was good business, was sincere and set me apart. I took that another step further in the last 18 months as I have started to send thank you cards to people randomly. Again, it started as a business function but soon became thank you cards to personal contacts, friends and people that influenced me. Just a great way to show gratitude and make things personal in our continuing non-personal society.

Today I make a point each week to touch base with people. I take time out to say thanks and also hello to all sorts of people. Sometimes its a message of "you looked great", or "thank you so much for your advice" or sometime "I was thinking of you and miss hanging out with you". Little messages that express my thoughts. I usually leave voicemail or send a card because I believe that each demonstrates more personal-ness than email. Overall I never like to get an email as much as an envelope or a voice message where I can hear someone's tone and expression.

The feedback and impact ON ME has been great. I have gotten so many people that have said thanks and that it lifted their day. Well it did for me too! So what could be better?

If you want to make more of your relationships, more of your network and, from a work perspective, provide better service, try sending a card or making a call to say, thanks. Say hello. Tell someone they are doing great. Make it your initiative each week to connect with someone who matters to you or needs your attention.