Good Morning:

I ended my January missive with the anecdote of a newspaper executive signing off his email by thanking me, “…for all I do” and how meaningful I found that message.  It probably took, what, two seconds to type these words, yet the benefits and good vibes will continue to reverberate.  And pave the way for these words today…

Little Things – whether favorable or unfavorable – can have an outsized impact. 

Consider:

• Doctors are notorious for their poor “bedside manner”, right? Here’s a new low – I recently took my wife for a follow-up appointment after a minor foot surgery.  We purposely requested a morning slot to avoid any delays.  Two hours later we were seen and the best the doc could muster was a, “…thanks for your patience.”  None of the reception personnel deigned to apologize, give us an update or ask if rescheduling would be more convenient?  (The good news is we’ll never need his services again).  In the meantime, we’ve told the referring physician his “guidance” was woefully misdirected, even though the outcome of the procedure was excellent.
• One of my newspaper subscriptions was recently renewed by touting the “new, exclusive subscriber benefit” I could now access.  EXCEPT, in no way, shape, or form do I (and I’d bet 98+% of subscribers) view this as a benefit.  This is just my latest encounter with newspaper group”think” over the past 10 - 15 years: “Easier navigation thanks to far less content!” so please spend more!  Such a Little Thing contributes to the industry’s death by a thousand little cuts!
• S ~ M ~ I ~ L ~ E.

Whether answering a phone call, greeting a passerby on the street or thanking a new client for their business, SMILE when doing so.  Including, by the way, on phone calls and in virtual meetings, etc.  This simple act might be a HUGE difference maker…

…to you.

…to colleagues (subordinates and bosses).

…to clients.

…to prospects!

Everyone – repeat, EVERYONE – prefers associating with individuals having pleasant dispositions.  Unfortunately, most relaxed faces tend to scowl.  Be conscious of this and SMILE, even if only while briefly interacting with fellow humans.

Do you have a Little Thing to share?  A suggestion worth passing along?  I’m smiling in anticipation.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all!