As a personal and business coach, I believe in the power of Attention, Affection and Appreciation, “The Three A’s”. You can be great at what you do, but if you don’t pay attention and express appreciation for the relationships you care most about, your business won’t thrive. By practicing a daily awareness of The Three A’s you will find opportunities to stay positively connected to the people in your most important personal and business circles.
Attention: Pay attention to the needs of your family, friends and clients so that you are able to express affection and appreciation in a way that is personal, appropriate and meaningful. These are the people who will remember you when they or their family and friends need the expertise that you can provide.
Affection: Affection is not limited to a hug which may not be appropriate in all cases. Affection is communicated by your expression of a desire to be helpful beyond your professional expertise.
Appreciation: Express appreciation by offering an intangible gift that will enhance your contact’s professional or personal life. A referral to a good plumber or car mechanic, a great attorney, or a terrific wedding planner may be enormously helpful. Emailing a useful article or news item can show that you are listening and that you care. Imagine the impact of presenting a job lead for your client’s son or daughter instead of directly soliciting them for more business. You’ll have a permanent place in their hearts and minds.
Additional suggestions for staying connected in a meaningful way:
- Call to see how someone is doing
- Acknowledge their integrity, hard work, help and support
- Offer condolences during a difficult time like a death in the family
- Offer support or assistance in the event of a divorce or health crisis
- Offer congratulations for a business or personal accomplishment
- Attend a milestone event like a graduation, wedding or awards ceremony
Successfully build your business by building relationships. Listen, ask questions, and express your interest and appreciation. Build successful personal and business relationships by doing for others and they are more likely to remember and refer new business to you.
Call me for a complimentary consultation. I’d love to help you!
MarGO!
Blog post written by Margo Geller and Debra Livingston
