The Golden Goat Award

Short version of why there is a Golden Goat Award:

I intend to have an impact by influencing my world in a positive way. Recognizing someone’s effort and encouraging that goodness is easy and the cost is about 60 seconds of transformative time. There are zillions of people who do not experience encouragement. I can encourage a few and make a difference. And it will have a beautiful, positive effect on me too.

Extended version of Golden Goat story:

In 2016 I was living in Kansas City and working at a place that didn’t bring much any satisfaction. That dissatisfaction was instrumental in the creation of the Golden Goat Award.

My husband worked with Brenda, a wonderful woman, who went out of her way on two occasions to help him out of a bind when he was traveling for work. She was gracious, generous and did it with a huge sunbeam smile. Without a doubt, she loved helping people solve problems. When Barry told me about his experience with Brenda I thought to myself, I wish we could formally recognize her to thank her in a big way. The Navy’s award ceremonies impressed the hell out of me and made me so proud to be a sailor. It’s an experience that only a small number of Americans get to be a part of and I wanted to share that with Brenda. That was the epiphany. I thought, I’m a grown ass woman and I can make that happen.
So I did.

I bought some supplies at Hobby Lobby and I built the first trophy. Then it grew. Over 50 people have been recognized.

Recognizing someone’s effort and thanking them is powerful. It’s moving.

I believe the more we recognize awesomeness, the more it grows. It doesn’t cost us anything except a little effort to recognize someone else’s effort and it can make all the difference in the world. Recognition and encouragement feel good. They are mood and confidence boosters.

The Golden Goat “system” consists of two levels. The first is covered by our square business cards. These are carried in your wallet or purse making it easy to instantly show appreciation and recognize wait staff, cashiers, hotel staff, flight attendants, etc. Oftentimes, thank-you just isn’t enough. Elevate your appreciation with a Golden Goat card.

The second level is what I call “Military-Grade” recognition. This is for a business that exemplifies exceptional service or an organization that is impacting the community or improving lives. It could be awarded to someone that volunteers their time and talents. There is a nomination process. The trophy will be presented or it can be shipped. It will include a hand written statement of recognition and two Golden Goat cards.

It’s a beautiful thing to recognize awesomeness and encourage the hell out of it.

First Golden Goat Awardee from 2016 was Brenda Doubler.

If you are interested in recognizing someone with a Golden Goat Award, contact Vikki at GoldenGoat2023@gmail.com.