How can you make someone’s day today?

Last week I was travelling to speak at a conference in a small Northern town, when something incredible happened that totally made my day.

It all started like most of my travel days, you know, packing my bags, checking them twice, clearing my messages, and heading off to the airport.

The security check in line went great, and I headed to my gate.

When our flight was announced I headed outside, and up the tiny flight of stairs to our cute little plane which held 40 people.

Needless to say, there wasn’t alot of room, and the plane was pretty cramped.  I silently wished for the person infront of me NOT to put their seat back, as they would end up in my lap.

The flight was noisy, but otherwise uneventful, when the person beside me struck up a conversation.

As it turns out his wife was attending the same conference that I was scheduled to speak at the next day.  We chatted away for the rest of the flight, as the awkward “nice talking to you, have a nice life” goodbye was fast approaching.

That’s when he offered me a ride (a friend was picking him up) to the hotel I was staying at. “It’s no big deal, we are heading there anyways to meet my wife”, he said.

With that I said “Sure, that would be great”, and away we went (saving me the $50 cab fare).

The conversation during the ride was great, and we said our goodbyes at the hotel, likely never to see each other again.

While I am not suggesting you accept rides from anyone, this kind act totally made my day!

Which got me thinking “How can I make someone else’s day?” Remember it doesn’t have to be a big thing, so how about trying some of these ideas:

1) Smile

2) Use the persons name (it’s the sweetest word they can hear)

3) Say please, thank you, and sorry more often (and mean it)

4) Compliment them

Thanks to Dave in Sault Ste Marie for making my day, and silently encouraging me to pass it on.