Recently, someone inquired about the best methods to maintain connections with people while managing my daily tasks. Two immediate responses sprang to my mind:
1) Be prepared at all times.
2) Constantly seek chances to express gratitude.
Each day presents us with 1,440 minutes. That translates to 96 segments, each lasting 15 minutes. When approached with the right mindset, these brief intervals are incredibly valuable.
What do I appreciate about 15-minute blocks of time? Because 15 minutes is sufficient to make an impact yet short enough to utilize effectively. Being “prepared” signifies that you have what you require when the moment arises. Consequently, if you’re ready when brief moments of five, ten, or fifteen minutes unexpectedly present themselves in your day, you can make the most of that time.
I strongly advocate for expressing thanks through notes and acknowledgment messages. To ensure I’m always equipped when a bit of “found” time comes my way, I consistently carry note cards, envelopes, and stamps. Typically, I keep two or three cards with envelopes and stamps in my journal. This means that when a small opportunity arises, I can swiftly craft a personal note and mail that recognition almost immediately. The note need not be long to have significance for the recipient.
Occasionally, I will even write a thank-you note for someone and pass it to them directly as I leave. This straightforward approach of being “always prepared” enables me to maintain meaningful relationships without burdening my “to-do” list with additional tasks.
You may be curious about how I find the time to compose these notes. Have you ever attended a meeting that started five, ten, or fifteen minutes behind schedule? That’s a prime window for writing notes! Or perhaps you’ve found yourself waiting in a lobby or standing in line somewhere. When you have your note-writing supplies handy, those “found” moments transform into opportunities to express gratitude toward someone. All these small chances accumulate over time. And each note aids in keeping you connected with those who support your journey to success. Hence, staying in touch becomes seamless and effortless when you are always prepared.
Maintaining our professional relationships is crucial. When was the last time you received a personal note thanking you or recognizing your contribution? It likely left a lasting impression, right? Likewise, sending personal notes distinguishes you in the business sphere and establishes you as someone who “notices” and “values” others.
How do you identify opportunities to express gratitude? This brings me to my second point about consistently seeking chances to show appreciation. When you arrived at your meeting, did the receptionist greet you warmly and perhaps offer a bottle of water or a coffee? That’s a moment to acknowledge someone with simple appreciation. Or maybe someone passed a referral your way. Regardless of whether that referral results in a job or not, sending a note of gratitude for the referral can be significant… and could potentially lead to future business.
One of the benefits of actively searching for opportunities to express appreciation is that you begin to notice more of them. By focusing on gratitude and the positive feelings resulting from those experiences (so you can write your thank-you notes), you uncover even greater reasons to be thankful. This can enhance your daily happiness and fulfillment, often making it simpler to accomplish the “regular” tasks at hand. Thus, maintaining connections with others becomes significantly easier when you are always prepared and on the lookout for moments to express appreciation.
Furthermore, reaching out to those around you with gratitude will undoubtedly enhance your day.
