Hey Everyone,
I recently did two former business colleagues huge favors with absolutely no thank you at all. As a huge fan of business etiquette (being humble, grateful, and thankful got me where I am today), I’d like to share my recent experiences and make the case to think twice about the "small" stuff. Rising fast in the world of online marketing requires etiquette. If you master the numbers and the game, your online marketing career will seriously thrive.
Bad Business Etiquette: New Job, No Thank You
It’s all about your network. I have invested substantial time over the years building my network, both in person and also on LinkedIn. Why is my network so strong? I like to do favors for other people and help them out. The more you give, the more you receive – It really is as simple as that! I truly care about others and enjoy growing careers in this great industry.
So, when I noticed that one of my bright former business colleagues was out of work, I went out of my way to leverage my network to help them out. I ended up landing them a really sweet job! Here’s the problem: I got absolutely zero thank you. Can you believe it? I sure find it hard to believe! No thank you note, no dinner, no lunch, no thank you at all. My advice to you: Never take a favor like this for granted. No matter how busy you may be, take the time to really say thank you.
Bad Business Etiquette: Letter of Recommendation, No Thank You
I recently spoke about online marketing at Stanford GSB. I was thoroughly impressed with the strong caliber of students at Stanford. As a Stanford Computer Science major, I aspire to attend Stanford GSB one day. As a fan of business school and higher education in general, I always am more than happy to write strong letters of recommendation for old reports and co-workers!
This year, I have enjoyed writing several letters of recommendation. Most of the time, I will get a sincere thank you note, lunch, dinner, or at least an in-person thank you. Recently, however, I wrote a really strong letter of recommendation and got absolutely no thank you! I really can’t believe it, can you?
My advice to you: Always take the time to write a heartfelt thank you note. We’re in a crazy industry where time is at a premium. However, I can tell you for a fact that the leverage of focusing on etiquette is extremely high. I always place etiquette at the top of my list because it has totally fueled my career. I now have an army of friends and colleagues ready to help me out. Focus on the small stuff and your network will propel your career to the next level.
Bad Etiquette Has Negative Leverage
It’s important to really focus on leverage in online marketing. Getting more done with less will exponentially impact your career. However, leverage works in both directions. Bad etiquette can really add negative leverage to your career. Just think about it: Not only will I be reluctant to help out these individuals again, I’m sure their bad etiquette has also impacted other situations with other people. People like to talk in general and this type of stuff can really start spreading! My advice: Be humble, grateful, and thankful – It will work wonders for your SEM career!
All the best,
PPC Ian (Ian Lopuch)
P.S. My blog commenting contest is almost over! However, it’s definitely not too late to enter. You have a few more days and I’ll announce the winners on June 30th. The comments have been amazing and I can’t wait to review the winners.
Image of Thank You Note © iStockPhoto – DNY59
Ian,
This post reminds me of many of my pet peeves. On a COMPLETELY different level, I really don’t mind letting people cross the road or go before me at a stop-sign if we arrive at the same (or very close) time. However, I get VERY frustrated when I don’t get a wave or a nod or something in return saying “thanks man!”
In terms of finding someone a job or writing them a letter of recommendation, I would be seriously upset at the person in that case.
Ian, let me say THANK YOU for helping me with my questions about EPN sites and domaining. I’m actually researching a few sites right now and have a few questions if you have some time.
Have a great night!
Jeremy
I’ve just found your great little blog. I agree so much with your post,anyone in this new era has a want to succeed and forgets the basic human instincts.
Hi Ian,
Thanks for sharing this. Although this is basic in business world, some people still tend to forget those etiquette, especially by saying thank you after the favor has done. So, thank you for reminding us about it.
Cheers
Gary
Jeremy,
Thanks so much for the awesome comment! It’s one of my pet peeves as well. I appreciate the thank you and I’m definitely happy to answer any questions you may have. Also, I must say thank you to you as well – I have learned quite a bit from your blog about Facebook advertising, email marketing, and a lot more.
All the best,
Ian
Gary,
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and for the comment! I truly appreciate it. I’m looking forward to checking out your site as well.
All the best,
Ian
I used to have the opposite problem back when in my pre-MMO days when I worked in an office- every little task I did would get a thank you email in response. One day I counted and I had 90 something thank you emails. It got to the point where it was impeding my workflow so i wrote to the biggest “offenders” and said no need to email me unless it’s a big favor I’ve done. That worked. But definitely if someone does something big for you it’s just plain common courtesy to thank them.
I’ll send you an email Ian, thank you!
Jeremy,
Got your email! Thanks, happy to help out! Will try to respond in the next few days, crazy week so far…
All the best,
Ian
JMoney,
That’s a crazy story! Thanks for sharing!
All the best,
Ian
Online Marketing Services,
Thanks so much for visiting my blog and for the comment! I very much appreciate it. I’m looking forward to checking out your online marketing blog as well.
Best,
Ian
Excellent information Ian. Really opens your eyes and makes you remember to be always thankful for what others have done for you! Great tips!
Dino Vedo,
As always, thanks for the comment! Very much appreciate it!
All the best,
Ian
Ian,
I totally agree with you on this. I have personally invested a lot of time and energy in my network as well, and ALWAYS try to make sure I give more than I receive. It will payoff in the long run for sure. Also it only takes one time of “blowing someone off”, or “forgetting” to say thank you to make a negative impact which overrides previous good experiences.
Thank YOU for reminding us all of that!
Bryant,
Thanks so much for the comment and positive feedback! I very much appreciate it!
All the best,
Ian