Photo by Paul Downey
It was a few years ago now that I received a phone call from a dear friend. She had read one of the posts from my blog and decided to give me a call just to say she liked it. She also hoped that I was going to eventually do something more with my efforts — maybe write a book or start doing presentations (which I have since started doing).
You can't imagine what a lift that gave me for the rest of the day.
I think we often get caught up in the idea that "giving" has to be something really substantial — finding a job, giving a "signed contract" referral, giving a big donation. Sometimes, though, it's just the little gestures that make all the difference in someones day.
Did you read that an acquaintance won an award? Drop him or her a congratulatory email. Did someone do something for you two years ago? I know you thanked them then, but let them know now that you never forgot. Is someone struggling with their business? Give them a quick call and let them know you'd be happy to help.
Spend a moment or two in your networking time each day to find one person whom you can acknowledge for their journey and the good they've spread along the way. You'll find that two people will end up feeling good about themselves.
Greg Peters, founder of The Reluctant Networker LLC, writes, speaks and coaches about good networking practice. For more tips that can help your connections count, go to 52-tips.thereluctantnetworker.com.