Two Simple Secrets to Grow Your Business

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 to the restaurant for breakfast.

The server came over and wished us a Happy Friday.

She was in a good mood and so were we.

We had a delicious meal. Fawn told us a little about working at the Four Seasons, how much she enjoyed her job and about the great people she worked with.

As we were getting ready to leave she asked us to let the management know if we enjoyed our meal, and especially the service we had received.

As I left the restaurant I asked 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 and Asking.

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?