MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, AUTHOR & SUCCESS COACH

October 2022 Newsletter More compliments, please !

More compliments, please!

 

I am sure all of us have experienced problems with service over the last two or three years in just about every industry we encounter. I would put most of the blame on the pandemic, the labor shortage, and the lack of leadership in some companies. However, instead of dwelling on what has been missing, I want to focus on something positive: the wonderful people who are going above and beyond to provide excellent service.

 

Every day, people are working hard to make sure we have a great experience when we are buying something, no matter whether it happens in a retail store, over the phone, or at a restaurant. To encourage these people to keep going above and beyond the call of duty, we need to let them know we are grateful for their efforts. We need to show that we appreciate the fact that they made a choice to come to work and do an excellent job.

 

“Compliment people. Magnify their strength, not their weaknesses.” – Joyce Meyer

 

 

Recently I had dinner with friends at a popular restaurant in Omaha, Nebraska. Our waiter checked on us several times and made sure that everyone at our table received their food at the same time. Throughout our meal, people stopped by often to fill up our water. As a result, our overall experience was fantastic. When I left the restaurant, I asked to speak to the manager. He was not available, so I asked for his business card. Later that night I sent an email to the manager expressing my happiness with my waiter and the whole experience at the restaurant.

 

The next morning, I received an email back from the manager. He thanked me and said he was going to do something nice for the waiter. That was exactly what I was hoping to hear, and it made me want to return to that restaurant.

When you have an opportunity to compliment someone who deserves it, make sure to do it! Compliments encourage people to continue doing a great job. I do this whenever I am happy with services or products that I purchase.

 

Compliments can make somebody’s day. What do we have to lose by making people feel like they matter? Absolutely nothing!

 

A sincere compliment is one of the most effective tools to teach and motivate people.

 

According to a recent study, anxiety or depression affects 1 out of 2.5 people in the United States. When you compliment someone for doing a great job, it may be the only positive thing that happens to them all day. Wouldn’t it make you feel good to know that you were responsible for making somebody’s day better? I know that it makes me feel great.

 

Accept both compliments and criticism, it takes both sun and rain for a flower to grow.

 

I want to issue a challenge to everyone who is reading this newsletter. The next time you receive great service from someone, either in person or over the phone, I challenge you to compliment them and send a note to their supervisor. If you can’t send a note, be sure to leave a positive review on the company’s website or social media page.

Your compliments will bring multiple benefits to everyone who receives them:

  1. They will realize that they have value.
  2. They will want to continue doing a great job because they know people are watching.
  3. They will feel like they matter.
  4. They will be happier and more energetic.
  5. They will know you appreciate them.
  6. They will pass praise along to someone else.
  7. If they are depressed or going through a rough time, your words will give them hope.
  8. They will look forward to being around you because you are a bright spot in their life.
  9. Your positive comments will change the course of their day.

Last but not least, complimenting someone will make YOU feel good also!

I would like to share one of many, many examples of how compliments have made a big difference in my life. When I was playing football in college, my head coach came up to me one day and patted me on the back and said, “Great job, Deeb.” His compliment made me feel so good that I wanted to try harder, not just for me but also to make him happy.

 

If you are doing good things and you are not receiving compliments, then you are probably spending too much time with the wrong people. Also, keep in mind that GOD is always watching you and smiling on you. This might be all you need!

 

Compliments are contagious. Compliments are essential. Compliments are free. Let’s all make an effort to do more complimenting whenever we have an opportunity. Our positive words are needed now more than ever.

What People in the Audience are Saying…

With Van's passion, humor and experience you can be assured of one thing- your audience is going to get fired-up, built-up, and fully charged –up. As an entrepreneur at the top of his game Van is in the unique position of being able to "talk the talk" because he has "walked the walk". Over the years he has been a great inspiration to me and my staff. Van is a speaker with charisma, humility and impact and he's a difference maker in the lives of the people he touches…"

—George Akers // President, First Mortgage Corp.

I wanted to thank you for coming and speaking with our company today. I thought your presentation was awesome! I was really motivated and inspired by your thoughts and ideas. I will use this motivation to grow my business and my personal life.”

—Justin Pauls // Realtor, Tampa, Florida

We are delighted you will be accepting the award for Omaha’s Top 25 fastest growing companies. Congratulations on your outstanding growth and we wish you continued success.”

—Tracey Fortina // Omaha Chamber of Commerce

Thank you for running such a class act company. It is an honor and a pleasure to be associated with someone such as yourself. I know you are probably one of the most respected businessmen in the region.”

—Dustin Talacko // Realtor, Omaha, Nebraska

Congratulations on writing “Selling from the heart” and thank you for sharing a copy with me. Your class has been one of the most enjoyable classes I’ve ever taken. Your enthusiasm and passion for your work are awesome. But the most refreshing part of the class was your delightful sense of humor. Thank you again for being a fantastic teacher.”

—Linda Reismeiler // Student at Randall School of Real Estate, Omaha, Nebraska

Kudos to you, Van, for reaching a major goal. But more than that...For successfully building one of Omaha’s best companies from scratch and making it thrive even in less than ideal market conditions. You have realized the American Dream...And brought it home to many, many others. My best to you!”

—Todd Andrews, Anchor and Producer, KETV Omaha

Having you here again was such a blessing to so many! As I looked at the pictures, I could see just how interested each and every person was in what you had to say!

This has been such a gift to our agents when they need it the most. The fact that you come, you are so genuine and caring, you are so honest, you are not trying to sell anything and your passion to help each and every person believe in themselves and become the best they can be is HUGE! The timing is perfect for us all helping and caring about each other, so, thank YOU from the bottom of my heart for giving of yourself to help all of us!”

—Carolyn Summerton // First Mortgage Company of Idaho

I enjoyed your seminar and its focus. I was on the fence whether or not to attend and decided why not? I could have sat through an all day session if there was one, usually I end up at the seminars that start with a focus and quickly go astray. I found with yours time flew by too fast and it was already time to go but I wasn’t ready to go.”

—Scott Asbill, CDPE // Associate Broker, Realtor