Vendor Bonus Paid Forward

I had the strangest experience last year. A client sent me a check out of the blue. It was a striking gesture. It came with a phone call saying that he appreciated everything we have done. His business had a great year. It floored me, and my family.

Financially, it made a difference. The amount was significant. It was not trivial – like a tip. More like the kind of bonus that people get that work at companies for a job well done. Of course, I was thankful. But it was transformative.

This year, I went through the list of companies that made a difference for us. You know – the suppliers and vendors that are always fair, great to work with, go out of their way at any time of day to help. I sent them a check. I sent a significant check. I made the same calls and said that I appreciated them, and that our companies had a great year and they were instrumental in that.

Today, another check arrived from the same client. Again, it was accompanied by a phone call of thanks and the news that they had another great year. I was blown away again. You would think that I would be less surprised this year, but I was not. I was reinforced in my resolve to keep paying it forward.

Catherine Ryan Hyde, the author of Pay It Forward lives in our county.  I have had the urge to give her a call and take her for coffee. I would really like my 14 year old daughter to meet her, not only to learn about the inspiration for the book – but more for the introduction to a writer.

There is something that touches each of us inside to give. The older you get, the more you learn that giving is much better than receiving. I take little pleasure in birthday or Christmas gifts, but great pleasure in giving them. This client of mine made me think – we give plenty to our families, our employees, and our customers to recognize the value they represent in our lives, but what about our vendor?

If your business had a good year, take stock of the vendors you worked with in 2016. As you prepare to sent out the 1099s, it should be an easy list to get your hands on. Stroke a few more checks for the people you love to work with. Pay it forward. You will be glad you did.