Gratitude Inspired Ways to Connect

It’s the day before Thanksgiving and, like many of you, I’ve been taking some time out for gratitude.  As an immigrants to the US over 30 years ago, my family and I have completely embraced Thanksgiving.  I often wonder if the reason that this country has been so successful is because we take the time to acknowledge the things we are grateful for.

It’s no secret that gratitude is a key ingredient for building and achieving success in any area.  There is no way you can have more of anything that you want without first acknowledging the things that you have and proclaiming the good ones as good.  This sort of gives your brain the ability to sort out what it really wants from the things that it could use a little less of.

I’ve been wondering why I’ve been puting so much focus on Christmas giving and not enough focus on communicating gratitude.  So here are a couple ideas I had today.  I’d love to hear yours.

Gathering Together.  We gather together in different ways these days.  An editorial by David Brooks reminds us of just how much times have changed.  He muses about the fact that music used to bring us together.  Rock and Roll music legends like the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springstein were influenced by the blues and jazz and a variety of other styles, which they pulled together into music many of us can enjoy.  Today, music is much more fragmented, reflecting the fragmented nature of our world. 

• Create Events. This year, don’t just tell customers and clients you care during the holidays, create events that give you a reason to get together and share the things that define the unique value of your relationship.  Make these events FUN.  Put your personality in them and your customers will be reminded of why they love working with you.
• Visit.  Thanksgiving is the most traveled day of the year.  When was the last time you or your CEO went to visit customers?  Do a regular visit and tour.  See them face-to-face.  Break bread and talk.  Exchange meaningful conversation.
• The Human Touch.  In what ways can you give everything you do the human touch.  Instead of e-mail, send a card.  Keep a digital camera or phone with you and send a picture that will bring a smile to a client’s face.  When you’re out and about and see something that reminds you of a collegue, surprise them, pick it up, send it along with a note reminding them of why you are such a good team.

Those of you in the US, celebrating Thanksgiving along with me — make it a good one and build even more things to be thankful for.

.