Do you want to truly impress someone? Perhaps someone who has sold more than a million books and has spoken in front of tens of thousands of people. Someone that you consider “famous.”
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Listen to this post:
Mark Sieverkropp didn’t set out to do that…but he did. And he shared his story with me recently. It’s a story of how the Thank You Revolution helped Mark connect on a deeper level with John Miller, the author of QBQ.
Here’s Mark’s story:
Last time I guest posted for Matt, I talked about some hard advice I received from John G. Miller.
In that post, I talked about how it was a bit embarrassing and I felt like I was a complete idiot for the things I had screwed up. But John was very gracious with his help, and as I mentioned in the other post, I was grateful that John was the type of man that would take the time to figuratively put his arm around me and give some advice.
Well, now let me share with you what legendary radio commentator, Paul Harvey, would’ve called “The Rest of the Story”…
Like many of you, I have joined the Thank You Revolution. So after getting over being embarrassed, I sat down with a pen and a blank card and wrote John a little letter.
It wasn’t long, and it wasn’t much. Basically I told him how grateful I was for him taking the time to share some advice with me, then I again apologized for my screw up, and told him if I could help him out in anyway, to please let me know.
And off the little note went on its journey to QBQ headquarters.
I didn’t think anything more of it. I did it mostly in the hope of repairing any damage I may have caused to John’s impression of me. That was enough.
Then, low and behold, a few weeks later I come home to find a package in the mail. It’s from QBQ!
Before I could even open the package I had to stop and read what was written on the package…
“Mark, You’re hand-written note spoke volumes! Impressive!” Signed, John.
I was blown away! I had never in a million years expected to:
1. Receive a package in the mail in response to my note and
2. have that package have a personal note from John written on it!
So I assumed that there probably was a book in the package, but I didn’t expect to see the note on the inside that I found, “Mark, Clearly you are a QBQ Guy! Be Outstanding!” Signed, John G. Miller
Wow. What a compliment!
This free book, valued at over 30x what I paid for the thank you card and the stamp to mail it–is the result of my joining the Thank You Revolution.
But do you know what I received because of this one thank you note that I value infinitely more than the book? The relationship that I have begun to develop with a man that I greatly respect.
John G. Miller—Mr. QBQ himself—referred to me as a “QBQ Guy”. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to brag or say “look at me, look at me”.
What I am trying to do is paint a picture for you of the value of that thank you note you will write this week, or next week, or next month. Will it lead to a free book? Maybe. Maybe not. But it will strengthen relationships, it will heal hearts, it will open doors, it will advance careers. It will change lives – yours and those around you.
That is the power of the Thank You Revolution. That is the Power of Gratitude in your life. That is the gift that Matt has given me and countless others by challenging us to look past ourselves and our concerns and to be grateful for the people in our lives.
If you haven’t done so, read Matt’s book, The Power of Gratitude. I’m not exaggerating when I say, it will change your life. I can say that, because it has honestly changed mine! If you haven’t joined the Thank You Revolution, don’t waste another minute, sign up. Take Action. Become a QBQ Guy or Gal!
Now it’s your turn. In the comment section below, share a story of the blessings you have received from expressing gratitude to someone you respect.
For more of Mark’s writing, check out his blog or follow him on Twitter.
Questions?
Text me anytime at (260) 217-4619.
Or…check out some of my free reports to help you get on the right track:
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Great story Mark! What an incredible inspiration from you and from John G. Miller!
Thanks Bob! I’ve gotta say it’s John G. Miller…not Mark Sieverkropp that makes that story really great! I’m blown away again and again at his kindness and thoughtfulness!
What a great sorry. I think it’s time I join the thank you revolution. Love this stuff.
I think it’s time you did Brent! I know it sounds cliche when you say it, but it has literally changed my life!! At work I’ve had several people say “you’re the only guy I know that writes thank you notes!” That’s a bit sad for our gender…but totally awesome for me!
A terrific story. I’m always blown away by the power of hand written notes. Each year, I pick one book and write a handwritten note to every employee in my organization in the front cover. There are lots of layers, so I sometimes need a little help from my Directors to give me some tidbits to make it salient and personal, thanking them for what they’ve contributed or for their approach. I’m blown away at the response. All it costs is the price of the book and some late nights… the response is priceless. Plus, they are more inclined to read the leadership book now that I have their attention 😉
Now THAT is really cool. I am totally stealing that idea. Thanks for sharing Karin!
Totally cool! It’s amazing what a little bit of personal touch can do in someone’s day, week, month–heck, even their year!
QBQ is a wonderful book and what John Miller did just validates his authenticity as a leader.
I agree, a written Thank You can be quite powerful for the cost of an inexpensive stamp, Although I do send Thank You notes on occasion, your post has reminded me I need to look for more opportunities to send them – I know those opportunities exist.
Agreed Bill! John is a leader’s leader!
And you’re right! There are so many opportunities to say Thank You! I’ve found, the more I write, the more opportunities I see! And every one touches a life! No card is ever wasted! At the very least you feel better and carry gratitude with you that day…at the most, you might get a book, or connect with someone you greatly respect, get a client or advance your career, strengthen a marriage!
Join the Revolution Bill: https://www.mattmcwilliams.com/join-the-thank-you-revolution/
It’ll help you along the way.
QBQ is on the most important business books I have read. This post shows he acts the way he talks, even when no one is looking.
So true!