Yesterday I turned on the TV at 5:30 a.m. hoping to find something inspirational to kick start my day that would officially start in about an hour. I stumbled upon an interesting piece on Gloria Steinem on OWN and it brought back a great memory of when I met Gloria Steinem because of a hand-written card.
While working for NBC, I met Carole Black when she was the President and General Manager of the NBC owned station in Los Angeles NBC4. Soon after, I heard that she took a job in NYC as the new President and CEO of Lifetime Television.
I sent her a short “congratulations way to go” note and got a call back from her assistant about a week later. The assistant passed along Carole’s thanks and a special invite for me to be Carole’s “plus 1” at an upcoming 65th birthday party for Gloria Steinem at Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas’ house! I guess CEO’s don’t get a lot of “congrats on your new gig and huge executive parachute plan” cards.I will always remember so many things about that great night, such as the 39 other incredible guests and meeting and talking with a living legend. But what still amazes me is that this all happened because of a simple note.
Here are seven things that this unusual string of events in my life and a personal card and thank you note actually taught me about having a successful career.
1. At any moment, you can do something small to put a big opportunity into motion down the road.
2. Career success comes from cultivating professional and personal relationships. People want to work with people they know and like.
3. There are rich people, there are the wealthy people and there are people who are rich because how they have created, navigated and shared their life experiences. Everyone, including you, can be one, two, or hopefully all three.
4. Never underestimate the value of business and social etiquette (if you don’t know it – learn it quickly.) Always remember please and thank you are words that have tremendous power.
5. Celebrities and accomplished professionals in many ways are not like everyday people. However, every human being needs to hear that others are proud of who they are, as well as what they do.
6. Seize every moment to network and learn from people, especially those who you may never see again. I met many people and business associates that day who have impacted my career.
7. Always bring your host a gift or small token of your appreciation. I brought Gloria Steinem a book of poetry, and even bravely gave her an original work of my own. I also sent Carole Black one darn nice thank you note for inviting me and proving such as great networking opportunity.
Find inspiration to tackle a new venture by first simply reflecting on something you’ve previously done that worked out better than you imagined, then take your first step toward doing this new thing. This week take a moment to reflect on these lessons learned and consider who you could send a “personal note” that might directly or indirectly help you experience something great?