subject: Business Networking: The Power of Recognition [print this page] Business Networking: The Power of Recognition
Everyone knows how good it feels to be recognized and acknowledge for something they said or did. When you recognize someone else it lifts their spirits and it lifts yours. It even makes those watching the recognition feel good.
Here are 7 great ways to recognize someone.
Tell the person face-to-face in specific language. Example: Thank you for taking such good care of the customer I sent you. I appreciate how you called her back the same day I gave you the referral, and fixed her plumbing problem within a few hours."
Acknowledge the person in front of others. Example:: John did a fabulous job with his speech to the Rotary Club last week. He was engaging, entertaining, and provided excellent contact. Please join me in recognizing John (lead applause).
Call the person on the phone. Be specific in what you are recognizing and thanking them for. Example: Mary, I enjoyed talking with you at the business mixer last night. You were such a good listener and really made me feel as if I was the only person in the room.
Send a greeting card. Example: A friend of mine qualified for the finals of the Houston Texans cheerleading squad. As soon as I found out I created a personalized greeting card using a photo I had of her. Inside I congratulated her and told her I voted for her and would ask all my friends to do so as well.
Create a special award (Best Kid Ever, Friend of the Year, etc). This can be as simple as a piece of paper or as fancy as a plaque you have made at a trophy store. Imagine what it would mean to a child to receive a trophy that said they were the "Best Kid Ever," and when you presented it to them you told them very specific reasons why you thought so. Powerful.
Send a letter to the person's boss. Example: Dr. Jones, I am writing to recognize your billing manager, Stacy. Over the last few weeks I have been having difficulty dealing with my insurance company, and Stacy has been most kind and helpful in giving me direction, and even getting on the phone with the insurance company herself. She is an excellent advocate for your patients.
Buy them a gift. Put some thought in to a gift that would have relevance to what you are recognizing the person for. Example: Your child qualifies for the high school choir and you give a gift of private voice lessons.
You can probably think of many other ways to recognize someone's achievements, and if you pay attention you will see many opportunities to do so. Take the time to notice and recognize someone today.
