With the news last week about the shootings at Fort Hood and the unemployment rate soaring into double digits for the first time since the 1980s, it’s so easy to stay focused on the bad things happening around us and never take a moment to reflect on the good things that have kept us going all year.
That’s why I declared 11/11 as Network Appreciation Day, so we can devote some thought and energy on the great people in our lives who’ve helped us stay sane, optimistic and motivated.
Because there are wonderful folks around us who make time for us, listen to our needs, and help us in any way they can. As well as people who make us feel welcome and include us in activities that help us grow and connect us with more people.
Who is that person for you? We want to know, and more importantly we want them to know what a difference they’ve made in your life, business or career.
Post a comment about them below. I’d love to hear your stories.
If your style is to give gratitude in a less public way, then take a few minutes today or tomorrow and do one or more of the following:
Send a written note. You might have already shared your thanks in an email, by phone or even in person, but a hand written note is something that people can keep forever.
Offer help in return. Check in and see if there’s anything they’re working on that you can help with—whether they need some quick feedback or help spreading the word on an upcoming marketing promotion.
Make a connection. Think about who else in your network—whether in person or online—they should know and who should know about them. My favorite thing to do is to make a Twitter intro (Twintro?).
Pay it forward. If they don’t need anything now, then do something nice for a stranger, or even someone you see at the office every day but have never gone out of your way for. Gratitude is meant to flow.
But, if you are comfortable showing your gratitude in public, then I do hope you’ll share your story or a quick comment below. That will brighten their day AND ours. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Author:
Liz Lynch is author of Smart Networking: Attract a Following In Person and Online. Connect with Liz on Twitter at @liz_lynch.
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This is a great post.. sometimes you need to stop and realize what is important in your life.
Wonderful post, Liz.
Thanks for bringing up the power of saying “thank you”. We all forget what it can do for the receiver and for us.
And there’s just nothing like the feel of a handwritten thank you note, to brighten one’s day and reinforce how important that person is to you. Who doesn’t like to receive personal snail mail these days?
Meg Guiseppi
Executive Personal Branding, Online Identity & Job Search Strategist