I can only imagine what it is like to write a daily column on a blog or in a newspaper. Today, I publish my 364^th Tuesday Morning Commentary. That is one a week for seven years. I guess if I was writing for a newspaper or a paid blog, it would be a living. As you know, I don’t make a living from my TMCs. I write because you read and respond.

That brings me to my thought for this week. What motivates us? What makes is do what we do? Why do we continue to do it? I really pondered this. For those of us in management, in the sponsorship industry or in families (heck that is all of us), I think there are some similarities. These are my thoughts as I pondered, “Why do I do what I do?”

• I know I get a real thrill when the deal closes. It is an adrenalin high and all real sales people know what I am talking about. It does not have to be a major building naming right, but just any deal. The thrill of victory is part of the reason for “the hunt.”

• I also know that it goes beyond that for me. Both when I was selling sponsorship on the street or today as I close business for the Partnership Group – Sponsorship Specialists®, it is about knowing that I am helping someone. When I sold a sponsorship package, I knew it would help a company grow its business or achieve its objectives. It was so rewarding over the years to watch their growth, and even after I was gone, continue their sponsorship. Today with clients, it is the same. Part of what motivates me to do what I do is knowing what I do is making a difference in the lives of others or their businesses.

• I guess that takes me to the next thought that continues to re-occur. Yes, I like to know when I have been of value. I am not typically looking for a pat on the back, but there are little things that happen that make me say, “Wow, I made a difference. They truly appreciate what I do for them.” When I hear from a prospect that spoke to some of our past clients who raved about the impact we made on their business, or when I run into an existing or past client at a conference and they start to list success stories they have had because of the work we did with them, it makes it all worthwhile.

• Likewise, with the TMC. I get feedback every week—some positive, some not so positive. But it is when I get that post, email, share, or tweet that says things like “I really needed that today—it helped me start the day on a positive note,” “I had never thought of that perspective—thanks for sharing,” “I shared that with my boss/team—they need to better understand the sponsorship game,” or the one I received just recently that said, “Keep writing these—I read them every week (O.K., most weeks) and I so look forward to the inspirations, thoughts, and even your rants—they always seem to be so timely.” These are what motivate me! These are what keep me writing, consulting, and serving!

One of the common underlying themes for most of the above is recognition. It is not always someone saying they appreciate what you have done, or that you helped them or their business. Sometimes it is just perceived. Either way, it is about recognition. When I look at our team, or any team, it is critical to remind people of their importance, their success, and their opportunities. This goes both at work and at home.

Perhaps for one week starting today, we can all make a point of saying something positive to a peer at work (client or staff) three times each day, and also three times each day at home to a family member or friend. That is six times each day for seven days—42 positive comments in a week—even if you have to pick up the phone or send someone an email because you don’t see them face to face. It may not create a habit (I think they take seven consecutive weeks to form!), but it will probably make you feel great and will surely make those around you feel good about what they are doing!

I look forward to your feedback. Please tell me your thoughts. Do you have any of the same reasons for doing what you do? If not, what motivates you? What can you learn from this exercise? Tell me how the one-week experiment with being positive went!

© 2016. All rights reserved.