Big Ideas: Saying ‘Thank-You’ doesn’t mean having to say you’re sorry | Travel Research Online

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Big Ideas: Saying ‘Thank-You’ doesn’t mean having to say you’re sorry

Editor’s Note: Today, seasoned travel industry trainer and marketing humorist, Mike Marchev launches his down-to-earth thoughts on building a travel business in a new column.

For nearly 25 years Mike has been sharing his thought-provoking ideas and strategies with travel professionals in a way that both entertains and educates.

His column will be called “Big Ideas.” Which, incidentally, will be purposely written in a larger typeface to make it easy to read, and easy to see for you old timers.

You are sure to benefit from Mike’s experience, and you will certainly enjoy the read.

Stay tuned.

As sales and marketing advice goes, this may very well be up there with the best of it. I was reminded of this natural phenomenon this week, and I could not find my way to my computer keyboard fast enough to share it with whoever is out there listening. This is a BIGGIE. Tune in.

I ended a recent teleclass I was conducting with what I consider to be some sage advice. To me, what I am about to suggest is both logical and extraordinarily simple. It is effective and incredibly apropos. It does not cost a red cent and the results are extremely powerful.

The truth is however, that nobody can do what I am about to suggest without feeling uncomfortable to some degree. This last sentence, in and of itself, may explain why there are not more successful travel-related sales professionals in the United States today.

I challenged my audience on this particular day to pick up their telephones as soon as our meeting was over, and call a prospect, customer, or the first person who came to mind to simply thank them for something. I reminded them not to get cute, fancy or eloquent.  I urged them to act on this assignment immediately before their worthless, inappropriate, nonsensical excuses had a chance to take over their thought process.

The assignment was simple and straightforward. “Call somebody up to say “thank-you.” I then terminated the meeting and went to lunch.

Upon my return, there were two emails waiting for me as a result of my earlier challenge. Both emails were conveying good news as they happily reported their results from reaching out to their clients. In both instances, they decided that the email route was the way to go. (It certainly was the easy way to go, but it certainly was better than doing nothing.)

In sharing their success stories with me I noticed a disturbing trend. They were both hesitant in saying thank you to me. One mentioned in her email, “I hope this isn’t mushy but…” while the other opened with “This is probably corny but…”

This may very well be the crux of the dilemma. Has the business world become so suspect to the “sales pitch” that we have become frightened to tell people what we sincerely feel and think for fear of being misinterpreted.

This is a sad commentary and one that must stop with the reading of this article. Although at times this may be a tough statement to defend, most people are not buffoons. Most people can tell between a “come-on” and a sincere compliment.

In fact, women are better at this than men. Women have the luxury of being equipped with a built-in “creep-o-meter” whereas men have trouble sorting through the slugs and the good-guys. Sorry boys. You know I’m correct.

What could be easier than to say “thank-you” to somebody who has helped you, guided you, supported you and provided you with a few dollars now and then to insure some degree of eating regularity? This should come naturally … but it doesn’t.

Based on the frequency of such an act, it apparently is a lot harder than I envision it. No! I fail to entertain that option. It is easy. It has always been easy. It will continue to be easy. And it will be the most worthwhile marketing strategy (or courtesy) of your entire business campaign.

In a similar vein, why don’t more men open car doors for women? Why don’t more people stand up and approach visitors as they enter their place of business? Why don’t more people listen to what others are saying?  Why do both men and women insist on playing the game “I can do better than that” when communicating in small groups?

What is going on here? Thanking people

Mike Marchev has “been around the bases” more than a few times, and enjoys sharing his street-smart lessons with who ever will pause long enough to listen.
If you are interested in receiving his FREE 7-Lesson On-Line Marketing Course, go to www.marchev.net and sign in at the box.  It is as easy as saying Bada Bing, Bada Boom. DO IT! Now! www.marchev.net

  3 thoughts on “Big Ideas: Saying ‘Thank-You’ doesn’t mean having to say you’re sorry

  1. Laura says:

    Thanks so much for writing this great article!

  2. Tim Walsh says:

    As usual Mike, right between the eyes and another great reminder to many of us that take the little things for granted. Please keep hitting us in the back of the head.
    Tim

  3. Nolan Burris says:

    Great stuff Mike! By the way, have I thanked you lately? Here’s a big thank you for all that you do for this business and for me.

    I once heard that thanks is a tiny seed that grows into a mighty oak with branches in all directions. Your article was a great reminder of that age-old wisdom.

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