I recognize you! Plaques, trophies, awards, pins, programs, titles, promotions. There are all kinds of recognition. And who doesn’t want to be recognized for a job well done?
That’s pretty much what almost all social media is about. Look at me!
It’s way more powerful when someone else says, “Look at you!”
Here are two companies that are really good at recognizing their customers, clients, guests, and members.
#Lululemon is an athletic apparel company with a focus on serving active people interested in yoga, running, and other forms of fitness. They even have a program called Sweat Collectives that encourages those that work in the fitness industry to promote Lulu as a community, and they get a discount when they shop. Lulu even has pictures posted in their stores of local fitness trainers that are part of their movement.
I was recently at a Lulu with my daughter. When she was in the dressing room, they wrote her name in large letters with magic marker on the door she was in. Fun!
#Peloton brings together immersive classes, cutting-edge technology and hardware, with multiple tiers to personalize the experience with or without equipment. Every time you reach a milestone (100 rides, etc.), they will mail you (as in snail mail) a postcard recognizing your accomplishment, signed by your favorite trainer. Wow!
Yes, I am part of both communities!
Lulu and Peloton are so in sync with community and recognition that they formed a partnership availing each community to benefit. Brilliant.
Here are some other brilliant ways of offering recognition!
Outreach for No Reason
Email, text, or phone just to say hello! (Likely if you call, you’ll leave a message.)
Follow Up on How It Went
Did your son get the promotion? Did you land the account? Very thoughtful just to circle back to see how it all played out.
Birthdays
Birthdays are typically the most personal occasions. Easy to post or comment on a post. More impactful to leave a voicemail with message or happy birthday song!
Thank You
Personal gift, handwritten note. Powerful to say thank you in public so recipients feel good getting credit for inviting the guest, landing the account, or having the big idea.
Putting in the Effort
Those that are working towards it love to hear they’re making progress!
Development
Who doesn’t want to hear that they’ve come a long way, baby. Let them know!
Hitting the Goal
You did it!
There’s lots of opportunity to recognize and acknowledge accomplishments. Just be specific and “at the moment” when possible.
WHO WILL YOU RECOGNIZE AND ACKNOWLEDGE TODAY?
This is all so important. Recognizing others is important. I recently sent some flowers to a retiring manager’s assistant. I’ve known this person almost 30 years and she is an EXTRAORDINARY person who served 4 different managers. She was blown away by the flowers. But she needed to know how important she was to people other than her immediate agency family.
People need to be “seen”. Your message is timely. Too many humans have their eyes in their phones instead of in other people’s eyes.