The Soft Pitch

Several years ago, I was reading a self-help book, I really can’t remember which one –either from the guru of positive thinking Tony Robbins or from king of the one-line success quips Zig Ziglar or maybe even someone else.  It doesn’t really matter as the lesson was simply around “the most important words in the English language.” Since then, I’ve read many different versions of the same sort of list, but one of the things that strikes me is the list almost always includes “Thank You,” and so I’ve come up with my own list of the most powerful words, and it starts with “Thank You.” Those are short, simple words with a potent punch.  Sharing appreciation by saying “Thank You” makes you step out of yourself even if just for a second and acknowledge to the world that you’re not an island and others are an important part of what happens every day.  These words are so important they can make or break a marriage, because if no one appreciates you, why bother with doing the dishes after dinner or even making dinner to begin with? A sincere Thank You can let a child know how special that hand-made birthday card was to you. Or can let a friend know you appreciate them listening to your latest rant about car repairs. Or let a customer that you appreciate their business.

I was tickled last year when Avnet decided to participate globally in Customer Service Week and adopted the theme of “Just Say Thank You.”  It worked so well, we kept it this year for Customer Service Week again.  So we here at Avnet are celebrating Customer Service Week by doing our best to reach out to thousands of customers this week with a simple little message – “Thank You.”  There are videos from Rick Hamada, Avnet Chief Operating Officer, from Patrick Zammit , the president of our components group in Europe, e-card messages, internal training programs, customer appreciation events with moon cakes and balloons, and a whole lot of thanking going on internally and externally.  The point is to just say “Thank You” to our customers and suppliers for doing business with us.  We want all of you to know, that we appreciate you choosing Avnet. 

So here I am, chiming in to say “Thank You” for reading this blog.  Al and I appreciate your comments, questions and the few minutes you spend with us reading our random musing on baseball and all things Avnet.

Michelle

PS – The other most important words in the English language? Here’s my list: Please, Sorry, and Help.  Do you have a list of the most powerful words?

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