Advanced Realtors marketing their sphere this time of year are taking advantage of noting the next holiday coming up and either phoning their top 100 in their sphere or sending out Thanksgiving best wishes in advance of the normal Christmas contact and holiday greetings.
It got me to thinking of launching these preemptive specialness strikes to all of those important to us in our lives, both friends and family.
I reiterate often how short life is, and to live in the present. That makes taking care of and tending to those in your life who are of value to you, and yes who you love, don't be afraid of that word. Human contact, constantly interacting with people we hold high is an essential component for all of us having high self esteem. I contend always that we can be happy "despite" our life circumstances with an ample dose of love from all that make up our support systems.
You being the initiator of these preemptive strikes of specialness to others in your life takes the burden off them from making the first move. So reach out and touch those in your life, children, teens, and adults and tell them, well that they are just pretty darn special to you. It will make the world a brighter place.
I've been busy writing a post about that very thing! Synchronicity again! :-)
Hi Gary,
You know being the instigator initator has never been a problem for me, I'm happy to reach out. BTW, we've been working on our special holiday connections all month long. My top 120 are the ones that continually keep me in business.
Gary: In keeping with your suggestion, I am sending out 100 cards to my support system. I am just wondering what my cat Mollie T is going to with all those cards... :(
Hi Liz: Great minds think alike.
Pat: Just another thought in my head to put down on paper (type on screen). Rest up.
Lynda: Glad you have that contact system going.
Hi Karen Anne: You can add me to that support system and then Mollie T gets 99. Sounds like it's time to build that network back up again. Hang in there : )
HI Gary! I spent my morning sending my "Thanksgiving" letter to my clients, affiliates and Realtors. What a beautiful time of year for reflection!!!!!
Interesting tid bits. I subscribed to your blog to see what other things I may learn.
Last night in his sermon our pastor suggested thanking our doctors, our dentist, and others we don't think about thanking since we pay them for their services. Actually, I always thank everyone verbally but a note would be nice, too.
Gary,
I have to find all the address to all the people who made it possible for me over the years....I just wish I would keep losing it every year:)
You said: So reach out and touch those in your life, children, teens, and adults and tell them, well that they are just pretty darn special to you.
Gary - I like the idea of pre-emptive. There are so many special people out there that need reminding about just how special they are.
I couldn't agree more. Telling those you care about how special they are...and going the extra mile to show them and not just tell them...is a wonderful thing indeed.
I enjoy striking first and usually it doesn't take a holiday.
i am in the office this morning doing just that - Thanksgiving cards to my best clients
Very good advice my friend and things that we should be doing always.
Oh, darn, I guess this means I should actually sign my name to my client holiday cards. :)
this is the perfect time for reflection and good advice. I too send out personal notes regularly.
Sounds great to me. Many of us know what to do but do not do it. Thanks for the reminder.
Gary, the Golden Rule applies....and what is freely given without condition always comes back bigger and better than it originally was sent
Nice post
Bo
a great concept. , reaching out to those who need it, deserve it, could use it, etc... BEFORE they need the help, not after, ...
Well said.
Great post Gary. Thanks for reminding us to reach out and touch someone!
:)
Just one more thing to put at the top of my list today. Thanks!
Nice post thanks for the blog. We forget sometimes and this was a very very good reminder in these times of stress
Gary, This makes me think of the Diana Ross song: "Reach out and Touch" which I always loved. I do it often and don't need a holiday to remind me of the special people I am SO grateful to have in my life! Words to live by........
You gotta mean when you do it...
Happy Thanksgiving.
Need a preemptive strike against wanting to lie down and take a nap! Although it might do me good.
I am a firm believer that a strong support system is imperative to success in this life.
Anytime is a wonderful time to let someone know how special they are...I know for myself, it always makes my day. I hope I do that for others very often, and THANKSGIVING is a perfect opporrtunity to reach out all around and be amazed at your support system... It is amazing, and I am grateful, very much, that YOU ARE HERE, Gary!
Gary - What a wonderful post and your words are so moving. I really want to thank you for this post coming around the Holidays and we all know Gary, there are more up your sleeves.
Over the next couple weeks I will be doing this and despite the daunting task of trying to make sure I don't miss anyone, it is such a wonderful feeling thinking of each one and writing that special message of friendship and appreciation. It always makes more cognizant of how wonderful life has been and how we all need to appreciate each other more by at least occasionally expressing that special message.
Well, I just got all those Thanksgiving cards out to my clients, past and present. It takes time to hand write everyone but it is well worth it. I actually thought about buying pre-signed cards at NAR but didn't.
As always, Gary, I love the message!
"Gratitude left unspoken is like a present never given."
-Mimi
For my family- Who wrap me in their blanket of love,
For my friends- Who bring me joy and laughter and support,
and for my clients- Who entrusted me with helping them realize their dreams.
I give thanks for the abundant blessing you all are in my life.
-Mimi
2008 President, Northwest Washington Women's Council of Realtors
Gary, this comment from Mimi is just beautiful!
Great idea Gary...it could just brighten up someones day just a bit!
Gary It is unfortunate that people have to be reminded to appreciate and remember family in addition to others in their life, but we now live in a very impersonal society - as I said unfortunately Karen
Gary,
Thanks for this, and congratulations on having it featured! I wish you a successful week.
Mike in Tucson
We've already sent out our Thanksgiving card Thanking all of our past clients, present clients, and (hopefully) future clients for their loyalty, referrals, etc., especially in these hard times.
Gary - You are pretty darn special, and thank you for sending out this specialness to everyone.
Gary,
This is a fantastic concept, and I'm glad to see this earned you a feature. :)
Steve
Gary,
I love that you practice what you preach... Wink Wink!
Gary... great words to live by.... I am working on my holiday cards, because as Missy C. said for sending her Turkey Day cards, it takes a long time when hand written... again, thanks for the reminder.
I guess it is that time again, I do mine all during the year so the thanksgiving are already out and Christmas will be out in two weeks. I wonder if anyone sends valentine day cards.
Gary
I always wish you the best life can offer, and that everyone can feel the power in your smile.
Sincerely
Tom Braatz
Gary
I always wish you the best life can offer, and that everyone can feel the power in your smile.
Sincerely
Tom Braatz
Gary, A great reminder ! Is phenomenal to live in the present and to care about the ones around you. The SOI is an integral part of building a base for any successful person in the service industry. Very smart sending out a note about Thanksgiving since very few people do it (including us ! we are too busy right now sending out XMAS calendars). Even Andy Rooney on 60 minutes was talking about the most overlooked holiday is Thanksgiving. Right on : )
Gary,
Loved your post, what a great idea. I wish I had more than 3 days left between now and Thanksgiving. I will have to put it on my calendar for next year and plan ahead.
Hi Gary~ My favorite holiday is actually Thanksgiving. I wish my family lived close enough so we could all get together. Those that have their families close by are so fortunate and that in itself is such a blessing. I send thanksgiving cards instead of Christmas cards because I think they don't seem to get lost in the shuffle.
We just lost our broker at our real estate office, he was 77 years young to a stroke. The service was standing room only...and the stories...he called each of his children EVERYday...he inspired his 6 grandsons EVERYday...and for us at the office, it was as if we were the only ones he had to talk with, that's how you felt when you were with him. Going to the rosary, funeral and memorial services makes you realize that these are the things that are important. The people in your life. The people you touch in a positive way. The money means nothing if there is no one to share it. THANKS for the nice post. And congrats on the feature.
There is NOTHING more powerful than a gentle touch. Thanks for the reminder. GBU~
Gary...YOU ARE SPECIAL!!!
If we all did things like this each and every day, what a world this could be.
Gary, I see you're still oozing with great thoughts and ideas. I'm always open for sweet reminders such as this one. Thanks.....and Gary, you're special too. I can tell by what you write and what you convey with your words. ;-)
Hot post....very hot...and very nice and very appropirate for the season. Thx.
Showing others you care by a simple note or a hug means so much to them. It reminds everyone what is important in life: relationships.
Thanks everyone for all your comments on this one. I went away from Active Rain for a short while and then this one got that feature and there's more comments than I can reply to. Thanks Susan also for that graphic. I think you all know the importance of touching those special in your lives, clients and of course family and friends. Thanks for all the kind words directed my way as well.
Hey Gary - YOU are special to us! Also - watch your snail mail....
Gary, You do have a way of making everyone feel special. "MWA" ! I should do Thanksgiving cards this year also. I loved my special email greeting a special someone sent me:)
Gary -- I am on it. Before I saw your post, I had called 2 of my best friends to tell them how much they mean to me - and each of my 2 nephews who are facing some difficult challenges.
I like getting ahold of my past clients. This group of people are pleasures to speak with and I do talk to them probably every two months and email them regularly.
Gary -
So easy to write a few words of contact - but so few really, systematically DO IT!
Why not - it's necessary to keeping the business - or personal - relationship fresh, ALWAYS!
Thanks again for the Words of Wisdom, man! Happy Thanksgiving!
DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
Wonderful post -- Thanksgiving is my favorite time of the year (and it is not just for the food :-)!
I also really liked Mimi's comment
Gary-What a wonderful reminder. You are right, you never know what tomorrow will bring or if there will even be a tomorrow. It is better to give one rose while you are alive than give a dozen when you are gone. Great blog.
Gary,
I have so enjoyed reading your posts. I am just certain you are one of those people who brightens up a room and fills it with happiness. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Gary,
Great post.
I do this every night with our three little babies.
I give them a little pep talk about how smart they are, good listeners, strong, handsome, etc. I am doing everything I can when they are young to stimulate their confidence and self-esteem. :)
I love the handwritten note. Very simple and to the point! Thanks for your post.
Gary,
Great advise! We should acknowledge those we care about all year long and not just wait until the Holidays to tell them how much we care!
Gary, Great advice! Most all of us live very busy lives and we really do have to focus on making sure our loved ones emotional needs are taken care of and of course this requires a time commitment. Whenever attending your children's performances, athletic events, etc....or anyone special in your life please treat these occassions with the same amount of priority if not more priority than business appointments. When everything is said and done, you will be so thankful you kept these "appointments" because they are what the lasting memories are made of. Thanks for such a beautiful post.
Great advice. Thanks for the reminder. Have Happy Holidays.