acknowledge

Cheer for Us!

If professional athletes aspire to have an inspired fan base attend their events and cheer for them during a competition, is their reciprocity that they offer an interchange when encountering recreational athletes during training sessions? Said more directly, if amateur cyclists wish teams of professional cyclists greetings as they pass on the road, are multiple blank stares back from the pro squad a promising way to engage with fans? Might they lift a finger in recognition or utter ‘hi’?

How might we not overlook simple exchanges all due to our focus on assembling the greatest audience to cheer for us at our signature events? How might we remember that the most casual interactions might be the cement that creates a bond? Some of the most pleasing memories are formed in the unscripted moments orchestrated by serendipity.

Following Up

I donated to several ‘a-thons’ this year at the request of family and friends. The pitch is typically a template, and the ask is simple. Please help me reach my fundraising goal as I complete the following event. Typically, the event is a significant undertaking and requires time and resources. After contributing, an automatic email acknowledging my gift is generated.

What leaves me feeling incomplete is that no participant followed up after completing their event with a summation, update, photo, emoji, or letter. The event finished, and the impact of their efforts left the donor to assume all was as expected?
If you ask individuals to fuel your journey, consider how to report back on its impact. How might we follow up to say, ‘I made it, and I remember how you showed up for me when the outcome was in doubt.