I received a package in the mail on October 15. I didn’t recall having ordered anything from amazon.com, but there was this heavy carton waiting for me.
Inside the box was a book called Humans of New York. I was still confused. I’d come across a marvelous website by this name and had blogged about it, but it wasn’t computing in my mind. How’d I get this volume?
Then I read the enclosed message from a member of my Soul Proprietor Community, Jennifer Polk, wishing me a happy first anniversary.
It so happens that October 15, 2012 was the day I moved to NYC after 40 years in Connecticut. It’s a big deal, and it continues to be something I marvel at. I celebrated my first anniversary as a New Yorker with a self-acknowledgment that I’d been here a year and dinner with a good friend. Nothing major, but a recognition of a feat accomplished. And then I opened my mailbox and found this delivery.
My heart nearly burst through my chest. I was so touched, moved and appreciative of the thoughtfulness and care that had gone into its ON THE DAY arrival (this was my mother’s mantra for celebrating any special occasion) of this remarkable book.
I believe in gift-giving and think flowers are a great way to brighten someone’s day and also send a message of love and caring. A plant makes a longer lasting impression, but Jen’s perfectly selected tome will remind me of her every time I see it on my coffee table and how happy I am living in the greatest city in the world.
yay! Glad 🙂
Hi Jane,
Happy Anniversary…NOT ON THE DAY OF, but during the month of anyway.
I just want you to know that I always enjoy reading you blog posts.
They are fun, AND they are short, always with a great message.
Roberta
Jane, this is such a perfect example of what authentic relationship-building looks like, and I will definitely be using it as an example whenever I work with small business clients on how to make that shift from “push marketing” to “relationship marketing.” They often get so hung up on the noise about social media that they completely forget to employ the same old-fashioned tools of thoughtfulness, kindness, and generosity that never go out of style.
@Jennifer
You totally rock!
@Roberta
Thank you! It was my mother’s rule, not mine, so I ALWAYS appreciate good wishes. 😉
@Elizabeth
Right on! All the social media stuff is lovely, but it doesn’t replace actual gestures like gift-giving. So glad to provide an example for you.