Never underestimate the power of a small, kind gesture
Years ago I made a deal with myself to try be openly appreciative. The complaining customer might be a business's best friend. But it's the openly grateful one who puts a spring in our step. So whenever the opportunity arises I pass on compliments, preferably to those higher up the food chain. Equally, when suppliers do a great job for our business, my praise is unstinting.
This week I was reminded of the power of such a simple acton. During our television interview, the young entrepreneurs behind R500m a year business The Creative Counsel volunteered that their first business was inspired by one of my radio broadcasts 16 years ago. Today, they are the ones doing the inspiring.
And last night, Ben, @thehappytrader1 on Twitter, sent me a picture of the note I wrote in his copy of my 2009 book Shares: A Buyer's Guide. The note reads: "This is a great first step to making your money work for you," to which he tweeted me "Little did I see then…..now I look back and treasure my steps." Wow. Makes me want to drop everything and start writing a long overdue update. Amazing how motivating a small, kind gesture can be.
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