While February is one of the coldest months of the year, one way to warm it up a bit is to pay some attention to gratitude; what it means and how it can benefit both business and your personal life. Getting into the gratitude groove isn’t difficult and here are six suggestions for how you can show gratitude:
Volunteer
Volunteering to a cause that is meaningful to you will warm the hearts of those in need as well as your own. There are so many organizations that could use the help that there is bound to be one, or many, that you can support. Work on a grassroots effort or look to larger, nationwide organizations; regardless of your interests, there’s bound to be an effort where you can help out.
Do something for nothing
Show your appreciation and gratitude for your clients by offering them something of value without any associated cost. This could take the form of an extra service or some sort of beneficial “add-on” to the work that you’re currently doing. Explain that your offer is to show your gratitude for their ongoing business and support.
Make valuable introductions
Business people thrive on introductions to potential clients, referral sources or networking contacts with which they may have some synergies. Demonstrate gratitude by making introductions and proactively connecting people in your circle of contacts.
Say thank you
Saying thanks is a hard-wired habit for some but unfortunately not for all. Show your gratitude and appreciation for something that was done for you by saying thank you. You can even go one step further and send a handwritten thank you card. You’ll be amazed at how much you will surprise and please the recipient.
Give freely of your expertise
Are you a subject matter expert or highly regarded practitioner with a specific skill? Consider participating in a panel discussion, running a group or in some way making your knowledge accessible to many.
Compliment others on a good job
If someone does a good job for you, let them know it. Send a quick email, drop them a quick handwritten note. An ‘atta boy’ always goes a long way and shows your appreciation for what was done for you.
There are also various “gratitude groups” on Facebook and you might find that being public about your gratitude and sharing it each day helps you to be attentive for all that you should be grateful. This type of reminder can help you to maintain focus on that which is good in life.
