Article Contributed on: 5/21/2009 12:11:51 PM
We are living in trying times. Just turn on the radio or listen to the news and we hear it again and again. Take heart, however, there is a way to get around that shadow of negativity. TURN OFF the TV or radio or listen or watch something uplifting. Go to the park and watch children at play. As they climb on the playground equipment or throw a ball, they don't have time to be negative. So it is with adults. Yes, there are burdens of living today with the new throwback to savings and people holding tight to their pursestrings. We do have so much to be grateful for. If customers are still buying for us, still referring us to others, telling others what great service we offer or how creative we were in helping them find a solution to their "challenge" then it's not all bad. Yes, credit is tight, budgets for additional items has been cut back, marketing has been pulled back. What doesn't have to be cut back is your level of service, your response to issues and the thank yous you give to those who are choosing to do business with you. It can be as simple as a handwritten note, a card, an clipped article relating to the person or their business. That common courtesy and gesture today may be the one highlight of their day and the one difference in an already overwhelming moment. The next time they need your business or service, surely your name will come to the top of their list. Counselors suggest keeping a gratitude list...writing down things in one's day that one is grateful for. Surely each of us has some each day. Someone let you in line at the post office, or held the door, or offered to pick up the tab for your coffee, any and all count. Write them down, keep that list by your phone or computer when you are ready to pull out your hair or say something...stop, check the list and see if something doesn't pull you back from a confrontation you may later regret. Write at least 2 hand-written thank you notes a day. Not your administrative assistant - YOU. It doesn't matter if your handwriting got a gold star in 4th grade or not, handwritten notes are so unusual in today's world of emails and text messages that your recipient will notice. Mail them and see if it doesn't change your day and maybe someone else's!