Hand Written

I got two very well written thank you notes in the mail today.  Nothing beats getting an old school  hand written thank you note.  You can reach me by e-mail, skype, yahoo instant messenger, text msg, cell phone, or land line.  These guys took the time (and expense) of going out and getting a thank you card and writing a concise, articulate, and personal thank you. 

Making that great first impression is always worth the effort.  The small things count and it is nice to see that you get that.  Shaking my hand with a firm grip, looking me in the eye, and a genuine smile always works.  Here are some of those other things that you did that made a very solid first impression.

You addressed me by Mr. Danko.  To me that Mr. title denotes respect and that is a big thing to me.  Respect is one of those things you have to give to get.  This is true for any age.  Be wary of the people that do not extend you the basic respect that you deserve.  When they extend you the basic respect you deserve, it defines the relationship you have with them.  If anyone feels compelled to treat you like shit until you earn respect- they do not fully understand what respect is.  Basic respect is the fundamental building block of any worthwhile endeavor.  You build respect through hard work and old school values.  The people who eat shit to get respect, never get the bad taste out of their mouths.

You did not use the word Sir.  You were correct in guessing that I was not nobility when I showed up in jeans and that well worn t-shirt.  I want people to call me Sir when I am buying a product or service that is over $40 dollars in value and we do not know each other on a first name basis.  Calling me sir would have been a kiss ass thing to do.

You did not call me Mike or Michael.  If I look old enough to be your dad or other authority figure err on the side of caution.

Your had a good sense of humor, were up on current events, and shared a bit of information about who you were.  I am always appreciative when I hear younger people talk and there is a notable absence of words ending in uck, ucker, and hole.  A genuine thank you is great when it is simple, straight forward, and honest.  A lot of kids your age don't get that and you both did.

But most of all it was the way you treated each other that impressed me.  It is far to easy to not extend those basic courtesies and respect to the people we live with, are close to, and see almost every day  Those are the people who appreciate and need those things the most. 

My own kids have spoiled me in this respect.  Aside from them big friggin brains, they understand how those foundations of old school respect, kindness, courtesy, gives them the competitive edge.  But that is a subject for another time

Send your mom a handwritten card....and call your grandma.

Love Dad