The Two Most Powerful Words You Can Use

George Krueger & Mary-Lynn Foster — Mon, 05 May 2008 06:30:37 +0000

We were pleased to welcome Steve Harper, author of The Ripple Effect: Maximizing the Power of Relationships for Your Life and Business, to The Bigg Success Show today.

Steve shared the two most powerful words you can use … thank you.

People take these two words for granted or don’t use them enough. Steve said that in his work of helping people create bigger and better relationships, he has noticed that relationships accelerate when you recognize people who have helped you out. People want to feel appreciated for what they’ve done for you.

It’s sad to say that this simple philosophy of thanking people can set you apart from all of your competitors. But because so many people fail to show any appreciation, it will if you regularly show your gratitude.

We discussed three specific groups of people that you should thank. Now don’t think this list is all-inclusive. It’s just all we had time for!

Customers
One of the most important times to say thanks is when someone does business with you and your company (or the company for whom you work). Show your sincere appreciation to your customers. Making this a habit will open doors with that customer, and with people that customer knows.

People who introduced you to someone
Another important time to say thanks is when someone connects you with someone else. If you show them your appreciation, you’ll make an impression and reinforce their belief that you’re a good person to introduce to others.

Co-workers
This is so important today with good help increasingly harder to find. You should show your appreciation when the people you work with (or who work for you) go above and beyond their normal duties. They are far more likely to do it again when you recognized them for a job well done. They appreciate that you appreciate what they do for you.

As we told Steve … now we understand why Elvis was so popular. He didn’t just say, “Thank you.” He said, “Thank you very much!”

Steve’s #1 secret to success: Be a resource to others.
This goes along with the “thank you mentality”. Steve says that one mantra that he has always lived by is “The Treasure Chest Principle”.

The Treasure Chest principle holds that people are an unbelievable treasure chest of opportunity if you just take the time to pick the lock, lift the lid, and look at what’s inside.

Gain a true appreciation of the people that cross your path in life. One of the best, and quickest, ways to build better relationships, move up in your career, or build a better organization is to have this “resource mentality”.

You have to connect with the people who cross your path and engage them so you can find out how you can help them. If you do that with no expectation of anything in return, the ripples will come back to you.

Steve offers you a great resource
You can download a FREE chapter of The Ripple Effect at Steve’s site and learn about other services that he offers as well.

And in case you’re wondering, we didn’t forget to say “thank you” to Steve for sharing his time and wisdom with us today!

Our bigg quote comes from G.B. Stern:

“Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.”

So don’t just think “Thanks”, thank out loud.