No matter who you are or what you do, you need to say two words often and genuinely. They are thank you. Most of us don’t say it often enough or with sincerity.
When was the last time you felt deeply grateful? What happened? And, more importantly, what did you DO to acknowledge your gratitude? Gratitude is an attitude muscle that needs daily exercise!
Every day, Marcia reflects thankfulness in her gratitude journal. She makes a note of at least three things to express gratitude and why she is grateful. Carol uses this same approach and writes about three things she accomplished that day and expresses gratitude.
The next day they each do something to reflect this gratitude. The quickest and best idea is to send a thank you note by snail mail. To have this note most effective, make it specific, personal, and be your authentic self. If you want to send a gift, think outside the box. Some fun ideas are movie tickets, gift cards, a sheet of personalized postage stamps featuring their company logo. See Zazzle.com for custom stamps. These can all be included easily inside your thank you note. Or you can think of something specific to make their lives easier; bake homemade doggy treats or volunteer for a dog walk for your pet-loving friends. Being personal shows sincerity.
When expressing your gratitude with the words “thank you,” be timely, specific, and genuine. Hand-written and mailed with a stamp in an envelope are really nice. In addition, send a quick email followed by the snail mail. It’s too powerful and too important to do it only half way. A card with a thoughtful message is something people hold dear. They appreciate a personal message in your handwriting. Waiting too long to say thank you makes you come across as insincere.
What was the reason for your last Thank You note? Was it for a referral to a potential client? Or a lead to a job opening? Or perhaps an introduction? Or an invitation? Maybe even a gift or kindness? Or perhaps someone took their time to evaluate your LinkedIn profile or evaluate your business? Have you thanked someone for just being their friend? Thank people on LinkedIn for their articles. And the best way to thank them is to share the article.
Life is much better because we are happier when we are grateful. How can you spread that happiness to everyone around you? Those who are more grateful are more productive and inspiring due to their greater passion and commitment levels.
The best gifts still come from the heart! If your friend has a special cause they care about, why not make a donation in their name or volunteer some of your time to their cause? This will mean more than cookies, candies, or flowers because you’re taking your friend’s love and spreading it around to others.
Now…right now is the time to reflect, express, and reap the benefits of gratitude! Today’s world is fast paced. Let’s make it a point to not let Thank You slip away.
And while it’s fun to thank our peeps for the “good stuff”; it’s doubly important to thank your complaining customers. Why?? If they are complaining, it generally means they still want to do business with you. The best way to handle this is to first thank them for their business and then explain how you will make things right and then offer a special thank you gift letting them know they are helping you make your business or service even better for them and others. This is your chance to earn their repeat business.
Thank you for taking your valuable time to read this article. Please respond and let us know your favorite thank you of all times? We would love to hear your thoughts on thank you…and who will receive your next thank you note and why you are sending it?
Share and we’ll pass around some clever new ways to say thank you. Saying thank you is simple, it’s powerful, and you will make someone’s day with a sincere thank you!!
by Marcia Reece and Carol Naff
Always give without remembering and always receive without forgetting. ~Brian Tracy
Carol Naff, Marketing Coach 