I was at a business meeting at the Four Seasons Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona.
My friend and I went for a nice walk in the morning and then decided to go for breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant.
Our server came over. She had a big smile on her face and wished us a happy Friday.
She was obviously in a good mood that morning and so were we.
She told us that her name was Fawn and went on to talk about what it was like to work at the Four Seasons. She told us how much she enjoyed her job and about the great people she worked with. The meal was delicious and enjoyable.
As we got up to leave were got up to leave and pay our bill, she asked us to let the management know if we enjoyed our meal, and especially if we were happy with the service we had received.
I was about to walk out the door but remembered what Fawn had said and stopped to ask the host for a pen and piece of paper. I wrote a quick note that said, “I had a great breakfast this morning. Fawn was our server and she’s great. She made a beautiful Friday even better.” I signed my name and included my room number.
An hour later I was in my room and there was a knock on the door. When I opened the door I was handed a box of chocolates and a handwritten note from Fawn thanking me for making her Friday even better.
It felt great to get chocolate; it felt even better to know that I helped Fawn and put a smile on her face.
So what does this have to do with your business?
It’s about Acknowledging what people do for you and Asking for what you want.
1. Acknowledge what other people do for you. It feels good and will make you smile. AND when you’re nice to prospective clients, people you meet at networking events, and servers at restaurants, they are nice to you and are more likely to work with you or help you when you need it.
2. Ask for what you want or need. The reason I wrote that note to the manager is because Fawn asked me to. The only way you’ll get what you want, except by sheer luck, is to ask for it.
Who do you need to acknowledge? What do you need to ask for?