This is the final post in a four-post blog series on personal branding lessons inspired from Tom Peters, The Brand Called You.
The Deepest Human Need is the Need to be Appreciated
Insightful Advice from William James and Tom Peters. Watch this Tom Peters video about the power of Thank You Notes (specifically time stamp 1:20 to 2:34). In addition to the William James quote, Mr. Peters shares:
"Recognition and Appreciation. Nothing gets you further in your career. And, it also makes you a better human being."
Digital Thank You Notes. When someone links to your blog, tweets your post on Twitter, or shares your work on LinkedIn News, do you say thank you?
If someone cites your content in his/her blog, show appreciation and demonstrate listening by:
* Commenting in their Blog Post. Doesn't it feel good when someone leaves you a blog comment? When someone takes the time to find your post, read it, evaluate it, and share it in their work, they are giving you a generous gift.
* Tweeting This Person's Blog Post. Publicize this person's blog post to your Twitter followers. Help drive readers to this person's blog. Sharing builds community on The Web. Isn't building community the goal?
* Tweeting A Quick Thank You Note. Thank you notes are important on The Web. Why? You show you're listening. You show your appreciation. You show you're human.
Demonstrating humanity and humility in 140 characters (or less) is a good thing.
Mitch Joel's Golden Rule
Advice from Six Pixels of Separation. On pages 41 to 42 and 210 to 212, Mitch Joel reinforces the importance of (1) monitoring mentions of your product / service AND (2) expressing thanks to the people sharing your content:
If someone mentions you, it is now your duty — at the very least — to leave a comment back on their blog (or email them directly), letting them know you are reading, paying attention, and most importantly, appreciative of their mentioning you.
As much as you physically can, respond and be thankful to everyone who takes the time to mention you.
Make this your golden rule, and make a commitment that you will never break it.
Conclusion
Success Requires the Help of Others. Achieving successful outcomes is a team sport. Teachers, mentors, coaches, teammates, family members, colleagues, clients, or someone else helped us accomplish something really worthwhile.
The Digital World Is Different. Why? Everyone I previously mentioned is someone I know personally. In the digital space, there's a higher likelihood that you don't personally know the people who spread your content. That's a key difference. Folks from any part of the world may have linked to your blog post, liked your content on Facebook, or tweeted about your service on Twitter.
Whenever you can, recognize these people and express your appreciation.
A Final Thought. I've thoroughly enjoyed publishing this four-post blog series on Tom Peters' Personal Branding Lessons. Readers shared these posts on LinkedIn News, curated them on websites, and tweeted the posts to their followers.
I appreciate you taking time to read these posts. And, you're so generous to share them.
Thank You — It means so much to me.
Tony Faustino is a marketing and corporate strategist. He writes about how The Internet reinvents marketing strategy for organizations and individuals in his marketing strategy blog, Social Media ReInvention. Follow his tweets @tonyfaustino or circle him on Google+.