Random Acts of Gratitude
Have you sent a RAG today?
If you were to stand amongst any group of people and started to have a little whinge, not only would you get an audience – they would fully participate.
Websites often have a special place where you can list your complaints – companies have WHOLE departments dedicated to and called “customer complaints”. Ok some have rebranded themselves “customer services” but the roles haven’t changed
The BBC dedicates a primetime show to complaining – it’s called Watchdog. And for a large part sets out to look for any minor error a company might have made. Companies are made up of people, who for the most part are trying to do their best. Yes they want the sales and to make a profit – but that’s not evil. It’s good, make a profit, stay in business, employ people so they can fee their family. And sometimes I think customers (me included) forget this.
So why is there never a “Thank us” link? – Customer Gratitude Centre
Why do we so rarely ever let people know when we are grateful?
Over the past few months I have been doing some “random acts of gratitude”. It’s really simple. When I’m happy with a product or service – I write and thank them.
Sometimes it’s really hard and the only way to do it is to submit a “customer compliant” form via their website. I always make sure they know I’m not complaining.
Today I sent a random act of gratitude to Cannon. I thanked them for making a camcorder that is simple to use and affordable. I told them that my camcorder made it possible for my Mum, who live in Australia to see my daughter sing in the choir at the Easter Service and play in the snow. Something that she would otherwise miss out on.
I asked them to send my gratitude to all the staff, designers, engineers and manufacturing staff involved in creating such a wonderful gadget that made me and my mum really happy.
This is what they sent back.
Dear Dr Turner,
Thank you for contacting Canon and thank you for the wonderful feedback.
We at Canon value your thoughts and opinions and rest assured your original mail has been sent to the relevant department who will pass on your thoughts.
Yours sincerely,
John Sampson
Canon Support Centre
Can you help me make this go Viral?
Sending a Random Act of Gratitude (RAG) not only makes the recipient feel good. It makes the sender feel good too.
So let’s make this viral. Send a link to this post to everyone you know. And get the bandwagon yourself.
Send a RAG to Someone. Anyone. The supermarket, the corner shop, your Mum, the vet, a good friend. Anyone and Everyone.
I am aiming to send one every week. Why don’t you do it too? And let’s see what happens.
Have fun.
Why not post your RAG stories here too?
