Art Rooney
Hello Friends!
I have an interesting story to tell you today in honor of Veterans Day…
This morning, as I was getting ready to go to my office, I was listening to ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike Show.
I heard an amazing story about Rocky Bleier and Art Rooney.
Rocky Bleier was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1968 from Notre Dame where he was their team captain.
After his first season with the Steelers he was drafted by the US Government and was headed to Vietnam.
While in Vietnam his platoon was ambushed in a rice paddy.
During the fire fight Rocky was shot in the left thigh then a grenade exploded and ripped into his right leg and foot.
After several hours of pain and turmoil Rocky was rescued, pulled out of the Delta and flown to safety.
He was sent to a Tokyo hospital to recover from his physical injuries. He was bed-ridden, wondering if his professional football career was over…
Fighting mental demons…
…suffering with physical ones.
One of the most important things that pulled Rocky out of his despair was a simple postcard.
A heart-felt note from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ owner Art Rooney. The note was only a couple of lines.
Sports Illustrated in 1986 reported the note said something like, ‘We’re still behind you. Take care of yourself and we’ll see you when you get back’.
Today, on the radio, Rocky mentioned the note said something similar to, ‘We’re down this year and we could sure use your help. We’ll see you when you get back.’
To make a long story short…
Rocky realized that he had the support of someone he held the utmost respect for in his life.
He had someone that believed in him and cared enough to send a note that told him to get better and come back and play some football and that is just the message he needed to hear.
A little sincerity goes a long way in this world.
The concept is so “old school” that people, in their efforts to do things better, faster and more efficiently have drifted farther and farther away from what is important.
My advice is to include heart-felt notes in your communications to friends, family AND customers.
When sending handwritten notes to your customers…
Leave the marketing messages out! Just send them the appreciation that they need. They will to0 think of you in a good light.
These types of message will go along way to building strong relationships with your clients and just like Rocky, you can go on to win the equivalent of 4 Superbowl Championships in your career.
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Thanks for reading my post!
See you soon…
Schilly.
