Bright Ideas # 65 - simple ways to give thanks

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you had a wonderful time sharing the day with family and friends, and stuffing yourself with a delicious home cooked turkey-day feast.

As you read this, I am probably out camping and kayaking with my husband, two dogs and twenty of our closest friends. You read right…I said camping. And yes, in case you were wondering, it is cold and rainy here in Washington right now.

I know it sounds crazy, but for the past five years we have organized what we call the Raining Turkey Festival.

Basically, a bunch of hardy souls gather in the woods to cook a turkey and—depending on the weather—either whitewater kayak or ski.

We bring pre-made side dishes and have our Thanksgiving dinner as a group inside a giant nylon shelter. Then, after dinner, we go around the table and everyone says what they are thankful for this year.

I know it sounds kind of cheesy. But, all too often it seems we forget to stop and think about all we really have to be thankful for. And we definitely forget to thank those around us for all the wonderful things they do.

So, although there is usually a mix of groans and humor thrown in, it is always a heartfelt and heartwarming experience.

Last year especially so…

You see, our good friend Scott had lost his leg in a freak accident walking down the side of a river. He was actually scouting a rapid before kayaking it, when suddenly the rocks shifted and his leg was pinned by a Jeep-sized boulder.

Luckily he was with our friend Gunnar. Together they managed to work his leg free, then Gunnar drove an hour back to civilization to get help.

The scariest thing was that Scott had almost been out there solo. At the last minute Gunnar had decided to go along. If he hadn’t Scott surely would have died.

Having Scott at the table last year counting his blessings definitely put things into perspective for all of us. Let me tell you, the tears were flowing…Especially when Scott gave Gunnar a beautiful, engraved watch as a thank you gift.

*****
What does this story have to do with your business?
*****

First, this is my way of saying there is always something you can be thankful for.

Being an entrepreneur isn’t always easy, but it sure is rewarding—especially for those of us who couldn’t imagine going back to the 9-5 grind.

So if nothing else take a moment and be happy you are chasing after your dreams. Be thankful you don’t have to commute through traffic, deal with an arrogant boss, or sit in a cubicle all day.

Second, this is a reminder that it is just not possible to say thank you enough—or too much. So take time to thank those around you who deserve it.

Whether it’s your employees, your clients, your spouse or even your kids…Anyone who has helped make your day brighter, your life less stressed, or your business better should know how much you appreciate them.

And I don’t mean send a generic e-card.

Do something special for those who have done something for you. Here are a few simple ideas…

• Send a handwritten note
• Create fun Awards Certificates on your computer
• Offer a special discount, or free product or service to clients or referral partners
• Send someone a good book
• Buy everyone on your staff an ice cream cone
• Say “Thank You” face to face

Remember, you don’t have to spend any money to say thanks. Oftentimes the less you spend the more genuine your thank you seems.

These clever, inexpensive ideas come courtesy of one of my clients, Sunny Kobe Cook. Just combine the candy with a short note…

• Live Savers – “You’re a real Life Saver”
• Extra gum – “Thanks for going the Extra mile”
• Snickers – Your efforts are nothing to Snicker at”
• Whoppers – “Thanks for a Whopper of an idea”
• Kudos – “Kudos to you for _______”

I guarantee you these creative thank-yous won’t soon be forgotten.

Whatever you do, do not send anything that is just a shameless piece of self promotion emblazoned with your name. Make sure your thank you comes from the heart with no strings attached.

Your gift should be something they will appreciate, or they won’t feel appreciated. And although there is no time like Thanksgiving to say your thanks, try to make it a habit all year long.

These days a sincere thank you is as rare as a Yellow-tailed Wooly Monkey. Believe me, people will remember. Your business will grow. And soon you’ll be thanking me for the bright ideas.

©2002-2006 Success Stream. All Rights Reserved. www.success-stream.com

Do you have a marketing, advertising or writing question you’d like to have answered? Email me and you might see the answer in a future edition of Bright Ideas.

Was this info useful?
=======================
If so, feel fr*ee to share it with your own list, post it on your site, post it on your blog, or add it to your auto responder. Just make sure you leave it intact and do not alter it in any way. All links must remain in the article.
And, you must include this at the end of the article:

©2002-2006 Success Stream. All Rights Reserved. www.success-stream.com

Please notify me at stacy@success-stream.com when my article is used, whether online or off. Thanks!