If you are like me you may reflect occasionally on how people are so busy taking selfies and pasting them on every social media site that all those old fashioned ideas of politeness and courtesy seem to have slowly disappeared in this fast moving, digital, politically correct world. Very rarely is a door held open for a woman, a “please” or ‘’thank you” said or a note of appreciation sent. So it was great to get this reminder of those wonderful days when we observed the common courtesies that made our world such a pleasant place… and can do today if you practice them!

My long time friend (and anchor man for many years of my monthly audio program), Gary Mac, who was a famed DJ back when they ruled the radio waves, and has had a stellar career in radio all his life, highlighted the point in his message to colleagues about the passing of author Jackie Collins at the weekend.

Jackie Collins“VALE JACKIE COLLINS: Jackie Collins had class and style. Back in 1988 while on a book launch tour for yet another of her rip roaring yarns about celebrity, dark deals, passion and hot sex, I invited her into my tiny 3UZ studio for a tete a tete. We got along like a house on fire and I got one of the best author interviews I’ve done. When it was over I asked if I could take pictures. She said “Of course, I’m taking some too”. She rummaged in her bag to find a tiny Kodak camera and there we were taking lots of little happy snaps. Jackie was also one of the best when it came to PR. About two weeks after our fireside chat I received a courier envelope containing a beautifully hand written thank you note and two pictures of us taken with her little Kodak. Very stylish. RIP Jackie.”

That’s a lovely photo of Jackie and Gary just a few years ago.

It’d be great to see some of those values return and I guess the way to make it happen is to start the campaign today by sending someone a thank you note or calling somebody you don’t really need to ring just to ask “How’s things”.

Winstons_Wise Words_CoverThe “how’s things?” call is one of those techniques every businessperson should use. It works beautifully for anybody who is serious about making their business successful. In fact, if you’re not using it you should be. Want to learn more? Buy Winston’s downloadable discussion on the “How’s Things?” call here. “Part of the Winno’s Wise Words series”.