Strike Fear - I Don't Think So!

After the second round of apparent attempted suicide bombings yesterday in London, I remain impressed and inspired by the resolve that the English continue to show. I heard on the radio today a London tube (aka subway) traveler remark that these cowards were not going to prevent the great citizens of London from going out and enjoying the wonderful city. Their defiance not to be gripped in fear and to go on about their daily lives is something I am sure the terrorists who committed these horrible acts of violence never expected.

I spoke with a friend yesterday and she said that she wouldn't consider riding the tubes over there. Not now. Though I understand her fear for her own personal safety, I also realize that she is exactly who these barbarians are targeting. They want to force all of us to change the way we live, change the way we think and to live our lives in perpetual fear of what's next.

Cowards that hide behind hurting innocent people for the sake of their own religious cause or radical movements need to realize we won't be gripped in fear. They will be found, they will be dealt with and they will be meeting their maker soon...and receiving their express passes to Hell!

Ripple On My Friends!

Fan Of Starbucks

Having just completed reading Howard Schultz's book Pour Your Heart Into It, I love this post by Seth Godin a few days ago on his blog. After reading the book and observing some of the very same things Seth talks about in his blog, it really puts the Starbucks experience in a whole new light!

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2005/07/inside_and_outs.html

Thank you....Part Duh!!!

I have received a ton of offline response from friends and other business associates from my latest post about saying "Thank You." It is actually quite hilarious to see how many people actually thought that they were perhaps the subject of my post. Funny thing is, the person in my example and I had a conversation yesterday about the post and she actually said to me "I hate it when people don't say thank you" clearly not thinking that SHE was the person in the example. Well I suspect after today she will know and given the context of our relationship will appreciate the irony. :-)

The part "Duh" is regarding Thank You Notes. I have recently met a new friend who works with Microsoft. His name is Michael and he is from Australia. I must say, Michael has to be the absolute best person that I have seen EVER in following up with both an email (the less formal but more widely used form of communication today) and with a truly hand written personalized note (the way it was and should be done)!

I have now received I believe three notes from Michael each one unique in its own way but highly impactful. It shows that he has a true appreciation for recognizing those that cross his path and those he most certainly wants to make an impact on. I applaud his efforts and I will tell you each and every time I have received one of these notes, his already high ranking stock reaches new heights.

Handwritten notes used to be the norm. However, today with the Internet, we all, myself included, have grown too lazy! Emails don't have the pizzazz that a handwritten personally autographed noted does. Never quite makes the same impact.

So my challenge for both myself and for you is to set aside that keyboard and shoot an hand crafte note (and snail mail it) over to that person you owe that Thank You to. Take a few minutes and remember the impression you make today can and will likely last a lifetime.

Hey did someone steal my pen?

Ripple On Friends!

Thank You.....Duh!!!!

I have written in my book (www.therippleeffectbook) and professed the same advice for years....don't keep score!!! When you do something good for someone don't go into it expecting something in return, not now, not tomorrow, NOT EVER! In fact, if you do something in thought, word, or deed do it only if you have the right reasons in mind....to benefit someone other than yourself. Otherwise don't do it. PLEASE!

Completely opposite advice when you are on the receiving end of someone's good deed or action. I encourage you to not only keep score and remember those who have helped you but do something that is over an above to show the individual how much you appreciate their thoughtfullness and the positive action taken for your benefit.

I am amazed at how many people don't remember to even say "thank you" when somethng is done for their benefit. Is there a bigger DUH? At minimum, sharing those two little words, you reinforce that you are not appreciative of someone's effort but you acknowledge them for doing something that they didn't have to do. Deep down, all of us want to be recognized for doing something good right?

I have a friend who is attempting to grow her business. I know of many people (including myself) who have gone out of their way to help her by introducing her to their clients which has resulted in several opportunities for her. What has she failed to do? You guessed it!

So when will the chickens come home to roost? In her particular case, they already have. The likely did the minute she forgot to acknowledge the first opportunity with a thank you in the first place.

My challenge to you: Are there people who have gone out of their way to do something for you that you haven't given proper acknowledgement to? If so, you should stop what you are doing, write that email, pick up that phone and say three other words...."I am sorry!" Then proceed with the aforementioned "Thank you!" It is never too late to correct a misstep and trust me, you will make an impression by acknowledging them...regardless of how long it has been.

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