That’s Good Advice

Anyone that’s worked at a company before knows that there comes a time (right before you leave) that you must craft your final email. This email is commonly referred to as your “farewell email”, and last month I had to write mine. I thought it would be really hard, but it was actually easier than I thought it would be! I followed a few self-imposed guidelines when crafting it. It had to be…

1. Unique - I was determined to do something entirely different from any farewell emails I had seen in my 3 years at my company, Deloitte Consulting.

2. Informative - I didn’t just want to say goodbye. I wanted to leave behind a gift. In this case, it was a gift of knowledge.

3. Optimistic & Positive - There’s nothing worse than leaving a bad taste in someone’s mouth when you leave. Swallow your pride, if necessary, and be the one to try to bring a smile to people’s faces

4. Technology Savvy - It’s true, I wanted to use this opportunity to inject a little tech savvy into the Web 2.0 depraved culture of my employer. So, I made sure to insert hyperlinks and give my Twitter, Facebook and blog information in my signature. NOTE: Of the dozens of farewell emails that came to my inbox during my time with Deloitte, not ONE had a hyperlink embedded in it.

5. Humorous & Witty - Humor is the best way to win an audience over. I wanted to leave on a light-hearted note, and hopefully even muster up a few chuckles. I think it worked.

So, with all these guidelines met, I released the following farewell email unto my corporate brethren. Please note, this is drastically different than normal farewell emails.

Enjoy. And use it wisely.

Hi friends,

As some of you already know, today was my last day with Deloitte. I am leaving the firm to pursue my interest in the crazy world of technology startups. I will be running Marketing and Business Development for a DC-based startup company. It’s actually Human Capital related, so if you’re interested in learning more, please feel free to email me at ryan.j.geist@gmail.com.

I’ve learned so much during my two and half years here at Deloitte. I’ve grown both personally and professionally, and I attribute much of my growth to the amazing people that I’ve worked with and the awesome opportunities that Deloitte Human Capital has provided me. So, I thought that instead of sending out the usual obligatory “It’s been great…” email, I’d share with you a few life lessons I’ve learned from all of you during my time with Deloitte.

1. If you want to get rich, create multiple streams of income. This is rule number two in building wealth (Rule #1: Save, save, save). Bob Park taught me about this when he told me he wanted to open up carwashes all over Detroit… Two years ago, I thought he was an idiot. Then the other day I picked up the latest issue of the New Yorker to see that Lenny Dykstra just sold his 3 carwashes for $55 mil. Wow. Bob – you’re a genius.

2. Your ability to network effectively is the most critical determinant of success in your career. Try to build a relationship with everyone you meet, and even more importantly maintain these relationships throughout your career. Indeed, authentic relationships are the only things that truly matter in life.

3. “Don’t treat others the way you want to be treated… treat others the way they want to be treated. There is a difference.” – Marc Schweitzer, a man who leads by example and taught me how to change my approach by always delivering his message with a smile and a healthy dose of respect.

4. Personal branding is important both inside and outside of the firm. Your “Google resume” is becoming more important than your paper resume. In other words, if you haven’t already started blogging and you also haven’t registered www.yourname.com (i.e. www.ryangeist.com), I recommend that you do both tonight. (click links!)

5. Don’t ever lose sight of your dreams. It’s so easy to get caught up in the grind and, let’s admit it, the crazy “world of Deloitte” that we lose sight of the real world surrounding us. If you have a dream, get out there and get it done. Live the dream!

6. And finally: If you’re a dude, the only part of the wedding you need to worry about is the bar. Make sure it’s open. And you better have scotch.

Thank you all for being awesome. Feel free to call, IM, email, snailmail, or stop by for dinner anytime. I look forward to staying in touch and helping you succeed in your own individual quests for world domination.

Good luck, and I’ll talk to you soon!

Most sincerely,

Ryan Geist

Facebook: Ryan Geist
Twitter: ryangeist
Future Blog Site: www.thatsgoodadvice.com (under construction)