We’ve all been in one. Not a word is said. You awkwardly look at the ceilin
g, the floor, listen to your fellow elevator mates on the phone, maybe grin a little……but still do not say a word. ….you just stand in the uncomfortable silence. Well, that is not the case in my office building.
I want to thank the people who work in my office building for not being silent and starting my days off great!
You probably do not realize the positive impact you have on my attitude for the day. As I juggle my purse, my rolling brief case and of course my ever important cup of Starbucks, not a day goes by when someone doesn’t say “Hey, can I get the door for you? What floor? Thank you, Have a great day? Do you need help?” Although it may seem like “no big deal,” these kind gestures and words make a difference in my life.
Just the other day, a courier picked up items at my office to be delivered, his hands were full with my many delivery items, so I opened the door for him and he said, “thank you…..you are a kind woman.” To me, it was just the natural thing to do because my hands were empty, but to him it was a “big deal!”
Donors and volunteers are a “big deal” to non-profits. We as humans thrive on connectivity. Sometimes as fundraisers we expect donors to send us money or volunteer without connecting with them. I would be much more likely to support my elevator mates charities because we connected – multiple times and continue to do so. Our mothers taught us to say please and thank you, but do we just do it out of habit with no meaning?
As fundraisers, a large part of our jobs is to say “thank you” – which is a good habit, but how about building some new habits?
- When you have put countless hours into writing and researching a grant, think you nailed it and then receive the dreaded “no, not now” letter…..send a thank you note.
- When you go to sign the next form thank you letter, change it up and add some personality even though your recognition program says you do not have to for another month.
- Pick up the phone twice per day to just say “hey, I was thinking about you…..” to a donor or volunteer.
- Write a quick note to your volunteer’s family or boss sharing the impact they have on your organization.
What are other ways that you thank people or do a little something that could be a “big deal” to them?
Don’t be silent…….even in the elevator.
