This is the time of year we think more about “giving” than most any other time of the year. It is when we are most generous with both our time and our wallets to friends, family , colleagues, and customers. Our natural tendency seems to be answering the question, “What can I get them this year that will stand out and be memorable?” Am I right?
I have a simple solution that will keep you from battling for a parking space at the malls or spending time online looking for just the right thing at the right price. And it will be more memorable…
Sit down and apply the “Santa Rule” – make a list and check it twice. But rather than finding those who are naughty or nice, look for those you would consider to be your “ADVOCATES”. Remember, an Advocate is someone who is out there “proactively telling people about you and how great you are as a person or to work with”. They are not people you can ask for a reference, they are people who give you a reference without being asked. Those are your advocates!
Now that you have a list of these put together, here is what you do. It’s simple and actually one of the most enjoyable things you will do this holiday season. I will put it in bold so you won’t miss it:
CALL them and THANK THEM for being your ADVOCATE. That’s it. Tell them how much you appreciate them “singing your praises” and freely “telling others” about you. Let them know that if it wasn’t for them you wouldn’t be as successful or where you are today. Ask them if there is anything you can personally do for them because as far as you are concerned, they are the gold in your world. Do it and you will both receive a very valuable gift this holiday season…and it won’t be in the mall or cost you a dime.