Don't Forget to Thank the Bus Driver!

Your demeanor is very important to building effective relationships.  So, you need to be a positive person when trying to connect with people.  Without a positive attitude, people will not want to connect with you. With so many other people to meet, why would anyone want to be surrounded by a negative person?  Below are some techniques that can help you to portray yourself in a positive manner:

Don't Forget to Thank the Bus Driver

Every day, you should get in the habit of thanking people whether it is the bus driver, the bagger at the grocery store, or your co-worker.  Thank people for the little things because they will appreciate the nice gesture.  People like to be recognized so why not be the person who makes others feel good about themselves.  By doing this, you will portray yourself as a nice person who people want to associate themselves with, which is important for building relationships.  After awhile, this will become second nature and you will also feel good about yourself.  I have noticed that when people, including myself, thank the bus driver, he/she responds with a smile and a "have a nice day".  If no one thanked these people, then they would probably not be as happy when interacting with their clients.

Write Handwritten Notes

Buy yourself some personalized note cards and envelopes.  Whenever you meet someone that you like, send this person a handwritten note.  In the age of email, we have lost some of the personalized touch.  So, make yourself stand out and send a note.  Also, if someone does something for you such as speaks at an event you are hosting, then send a thank you note.  Again, use your personalized note cards. I use this technique and people make an effort to thank me for the nice note.  How often do you get thanked for a thank you note?  You will be remembered for this nice thought. It is worth the effort.

Send a Book

When building relationships, it is important that you reach out to people on a regular basis. You need to stay on top of mind with people so be creative.  One such way is to send someone a book that you know he/she would like to read. The fact that you thought of this person will make a great impression.   Even if the person read this book, you will be remembered for your nice gesture.  At some point, this favor will be returned.  A great book to send people is Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time. In addition to sending a book, send articles of interest as well. Again, I would target specific people for these articles so you have more of a personal touch.

What other techniques have you used that demonstrate that you are a genuine and positive person?

Comments

[Mike Maddaloni]

When I had my printing done for my business, I ordered notecards with my logo on the front and send them to everyone I meet, whose address I have of course. People have commented to me many times about how unique it is, and they stand out from all the other junk mail people get.

I have been on a reading mission lately, tackling books that have sat on my bookshelf for years. As I read one, I send them to friends and colleagues. What good are they just sitting there on my shelf? Plus I am sharing thoughts with someone who I feel would also like to be informed as well.

mp/m

[Jason Jacobsohn]

Thanks Mike for sharing what you do. I wish that more people took the time to do these activities. Keep up the good work!