Are you a hero to someone? Do you make your business superheroes to every one of your customers, or treat them as heroes? Going that extra mile can make all the difference.
I found that out last week when two people who I already respected immensely joined the ranks of superheroes.
Michael Schechter, someone I’ve connected with through Twitter yet never met personally, is a superhero. As some of you might know, I recently won a tagline competition where the prize was a Nintendo Wii. I thought it’d be a nice idea to donate it to the local sick kids hospital when it arrives later this week.
Michael knew what I was doing, so he sent me some of his own Wii games that were gathering dust at his home. As an additional gesture, he also included three pearl bracelets and a pearl necklace for my wife as a thank you for me helping him out on his blog earlier this year. (Michael is Director of Retail Marketing at Honora Pearls).
He didn’t have to; I was happy to help. But his gesture made him an instant superhero.
John Haydon is another guy I’ve connected with on Twitter, through the 12for12k charity challenge. John has come onboard and used his non-profit experience and networks to gather bloggers that have written amazing posts for our charities. His help has been a Godsend at helping to spread the word.
Last week, I received a little Thank You card from John in the mail, thanking me for getting him involved with 12for12k. Even though it’s me that should be thanking him for all he’s doing. And he also mentioned to say Hi to my wife and hoped she was well. John is a superhero.
Even though I know both Michael and John already, that kind of thinking would immediately make me keen to recommend them to anyone. Michael didn’t need to offer games and he certainly didn’t need to send my wife pearls, and John didn’t need to offer that personal touch.
But the fact they did makes me confident anyone using either of them will always receive amazing service.
How’s your superhero status? Do you wear your cape with pride or does it need some new threads?
photo credit: Zeetz Jones
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“Men are all alike in their promises. It is only in their deeds that they differ.” – Moliere
Most heroes would never call themselves a hero. Being a hero is not just about having the courage to save a human life. It is the courage to make a difference in someone’s life.
It is the recognition of your deed that makes you a hero.
And, today, Danny, you are *my* hero.
Sherrie Rose
The Love Linguist
I can’t recall who said it or the exact words, but as you mention, Sherrie, the hero doesn’t seek recognition – he or she just does what needs to be done.
Thanks for sharing the quote and your thoughts, appreciate it.
There is a guy who lives in Buxton, Derbyshire, UK called Bill Weston who runs the Billerettes – a cheerleading team made up of men aged 18-60+ he has been doing this (they appear at least 50 times a year) for over 30 years and has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity. He was awarded an MBE or OBE recently and he is definitely a superhero and an inspiration to all who know him.
There is a picture of Bill and his team here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/squeakywheel/2815489806/
Twitter: johnhaydon
Danny,
Thanks, man. I have to say the same about you. It take some serious heart and effort to pull off the 12for12k.org gig.
You’ve inspired me on several levels. In fact, I have a column in TweetDeck called “Mentor Bloggers” where I can closely follow you and a few others.
Thanks,
John
Cheers fella, really appreciate that. It has been hard work at times with the 12for12k project, and to keep pushing on each month and find worthy charities, etc. Thankfully I have great people around me to help cover a lot of ground I couldn’t, and the supporters are all awesome.
A pleasure to know you.
Twitter: MSchechter
Danny,
I was touched and surprised to read this post.
I certainly cannot see myself a superhero (and am not sure I’d want to after watching The Watchmen this weekend
), but I really appreciate you taking the time to write those kind words. Also, lets face it… for all of the questions I managed to come up with and your endless patience with me, the pearls were the least I could do!
I also need to second what John said, you’ve put yourself out there with 12for12k and that makes you a real hero in my book. We are all seeing the increasing amount of twitter avatars showing 12for12k support, it is clear that your passion project has caught on!
Thanks for showing me that Social Media is more than connecting, it is about taking the time to give back.
M.
Twitter: timjahn
“Thanks for showing me that Social Media is more than connecting, it is about taking the time to give back.”
Beautiful words. That’s the beauty of this whole “social media” thing, isn’t it?. It’s showing people that not only can we connect with each other easier, but we can help each other easier too.
The best heroes are the ones that don’t seek recognition (as I think Sherrie mentioned at the start of the comments). What you and John did was right up there and made just a small gesture something huge, for which I’m grateful. As will the kids in Toronto. And my wife, obviously…
my favourite part is wearing the underwear on the outside!
Thanks to John and Michael. I am glad there are more people out there like my husband. Truly genuine and selfless
Twitter: MSchechter
Thanks, but I am starting believe that Danny might actually be one of a kind… (not sure if that’s meant as a compliment or just a simple statement of fact
)
PS. I like the Robert Patterson picture… my wife is also a big Edward fan!
lol thanks! The icon is small but i made the tee say “Team Jac Star”
I’m totally Team Edward – have your wife call me, we’ll talk lol
i like to think Danny is one of a kind too – but i’m a bit biassed.
I am truly amazed at all the help and support he’s gotten with this project. There should be one giant pat on the back.
The pearls are lovely by the way
Twitter: MSchechter
Nice! I guess that would pit us against each other… I was a fan of Jacob… only because the parts told from his perspective were quite funny!
Did you read Midnight Sun? It is the first parts of Twilight as told from Edwards perspective.
Glad you like the pearls, I figured anyone who is dealing with Danny on a daily basis would be a leopard pearl kinda girl!
lol – oh i’ve read it all. I saw the movie 5 times in the theatre and have now completed TWO jigsaw puzzles, ask danny – i’m devoted lol
Jacob irritated me sometimes – especially the whole phonecall scene in New Moon…. grr
but the “I punched a werewolf in the face” line made it worth it (though i think that was Eclipse)
Twitter: MSchechter
I have to admit, I listened to them on audiobook (I am a sucker for those) and the guy who read for Jacob was great! I think it must have made him far more likable! Impressed that you did not one, but two puzzles! That is true commitment.
Twitter: johnhaydon
Thanks, Jac. Danny’s the best!
I got all caught up in the Twilight saga just now – perhaps i should have said “don’t even get me started” lol
i some how missed this comment – but i think it’s safe to say, i agree John… 100%
Twitter: timjahn
If we all concentrated a little more on being a superhero to someone and less about making as much money on the stock market as possible, I think we’d all be a bit happier.
Thanks for the great post Danny and the chance to reflect. THIS is what it’s all about, right here.
(and the Ninja Turtles are the best. Turtles in a half shell!)
You can’t argue with the Turtles, Tim…
What great examples you’ve given us. It just goes to show that it doesn’t take much to make a huge difference in somebody’s life. Being a father to a wonderful seven-year-old boy, I hope, and strive, to be a hero to him by setting a good example. I also try to give my clients and blog readers as much help in wading through this horrific housing market as possible. While I feel fulfilled with what I am currently doing, your article shows me I can do so much more without much effort at all. Thanks for sharing your story.
Parents are amongst the biggest superheroes out there, I think, Adam. Being there every day for your child; offering advice, wisdom, protection, food, health, safety, knowledge and much, much more. That’s a hero in my book right there.
Thanks so much for sharing this post, Danny. It’s always nice to be reminded that there are heros everywhere and in every situation. Posts like this help me reflect on those who inspire me daily and on what more I can do for others.
Echoing Michael’s sentiments above, I love what you’re doing with 12for12k and using Twitter and social media as fundraising tools—You truly are a hero!
We deal with people and businesses every day. How they treat us can make a huge difference to their success. Are you viewed as a superhero?
via uberVU
Danny –
Great thoughts on the Heroes in our lives, and how a simple gesture can make ALL the difference.
Seems like Small and Local businesses are really poised to make a difference in their customers’ lives. I recently got a Thank You card from my vet with signatures from the ENTIRE staff…that goes a long way in my book.
Cheers Chris, good to have you here. I agree there definitely seems to be a more personal touch from SME’s and local businesses, which is probably natural. However, there are some great big businesses thinking small and local as well – hopefully more will follow suit.
It’s been great connecting with you on Twitter because of posts like this. You’re genuine and believe in the good of people!
One of the superheroes I know is a great photographer, (http://jeremywilburn.wordpress.com). Always trying to help others and give back.
Thanks for this encouraging post!