Reece: Thank you cards as important today as ever

These letters arrived, when we didn’t respond, after receiving the gift of a dollar bill in a birthday card or receiving for my 19th Christmas a "Keep On Truckin’" T-shirt with my name across the back done with iron-on letters. These useful gifts not acknowledged were always followed by something even more practical (in my grandmothers eyes anyway) the next year – personalized stationary and envelopes to write said notes.

While somewhat getting the hint after 20 or so years, the “reminder” letters from Nanny Swaim continued on into our adulthood although by then they were then directed to us about our own kids. So, being one who had it eventually drilled into their thick skull to write them, it feels good when I get an unexpected thank you note from somebody. Even more so like this one:

"Dear Gary, Thank you so much for lunch at Duke’s last week. I especially appreciate your friendship and council. I plan on reading E-Myth (a great book for entrepreneurs about working on your business instead of in your business) and contacting the people you suggested. I came away from our meeting feeling hopeful and encouraged…"

Other than a personalized T-shirt, I am pretty tough to buy for. But that particular note was a really nice gift.

Every business has ups and downs. It takes a lot of energy to run a business and occasionally it feels like there is nowhere to turn or anybody to talk to. When we run off the rails, and we all do, it takes a little help to get back on track.

Sometimes I am fortunate enough to help somebody out. Maybe it’s offering a different perspective or getting somebody connected to possible opportunities. Perhaps it’s just about sitting back and listening. For me, those are things what make a lot of what I do most enjoyable.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that there are many, many people out there who will be more than happy to help. As tough as it may be to pour out your challenges or situation, it’s more about taking the chance and just asking. Like Bono of the band U2 said “When you stop taking chances, you'll stay where you sit, you won't live any longer ... but it'll feel like it.”