Small gifts go a long way

When I worked at Warner/Chappell, I was the least-important person in the company, just working in the library. Since it’s the largest music publisher in the world, I dealt with hundreds of people. I can’t remember most of their names. But three times, and only three times, I got a surprise gift from one of our songwriters. James Mastro, from The Bongos, got me a cool little “Mother Mary” keychain when he toured Spain. Gerry DeVeaux, the multi-platinum dance writer, got me some funky plastic fish Christmas ornaments when he went to the Bahamas. And Jane Kelly Williams got me a red sweatshirt. Can you believe I remember these details twenty years later? Believe it! If any of these three people asked me for a favor, I’d be sure to help them out. As you climb the ladder of success, giving a gift may go a long way and be remembered for years. Get presents for the people you’ve met that are probably under-appreciated. Don’t waste gifts on the high-power people. They already receive too many. Be generous. You’re going to see the same faces for years to come.