A LITTLE ENCOURAGEMENT CAN GO A LONG WAY
Sometimes, a little encouragement can go a long way.
Several years ago, I helped someone in their job search, advising on what he could do and how to go about having conversations about his accomplishments and how he could contribute. He didn’t have much money to pay for on-going coaching at the time, so we had just a few conversations. I helped as I could and wished him well.
Fast forward a few years…I have moved from Connecticut to St. Louis and done many other professional duties since then. I didn’t give our previous conversations additional thought, but one day, I got a thank you note and a check in my mailbox. The note talked about how I had helped him; he summed it up by saying, “You are really good at what you do.”
Well, Ralph has paid his debt in full…not just from the money (although that is always helpful), but more for the encouragement he provided. You see, since moving to St. Louis, I have focused on other types of branding projects. I haven’t done much of the kind of consultation that I did with him (work that brought great joy and satisfaction), and I find that I miss it. I’ve been thinking about diving back into that, but I have been wondering whether I should.
So that one sentence had such a huge impact on me. I have carried that note with me in my briefcase every day since I got it. That note nudged me to begin again, so that’s what I’m doing. I’ve committed to publishing my book, Turbocharge Your Career, within the next three months, booking speaking engagements and setting things up online to do some coaching.
So thank you, Ralph, for sending that note. The money is certainly appreciated, but the thought has been priceless!
Is there someone that you can encourage? If so, tell them what they mean to you. Help them move toward their dream. You never know what a lasting impact that may have!