Giving Thanks with Personal Notes
In today’s high-tech virtual world, the art of personal communication is at risk of being lost. Email has taken the place of handwritten notes and letters and social networking is rapidly replacing mixers and meetings. We are in constant communication with friends, relatives, co-workers and customers yet we often connect in isolation.
In theory, a business can function without ever building a relationship with their customers or vendors, but is this really ideal? In reality, both business professionals and customers are still, at their core, people who desire and appreciate personal connection. Today’s tough economic times dictate that businesses must set themselves apart in order to succeed, and the addition of personal notes to customers, vendors, and colleagues provides an excellent means to that end.
Writing thank you notes is a time honored tradition and a bit of common courtesy that is rapidly approaching extinction. Earlier generations would be dismayed at our lack of manners when it comes to saying a simple, yet profound, “thank you.” There are many situations where a thank you note is not only appropriate but necessary.
Giving Thanks to Customers
The driving force of any business is its customers. Many companies go to great lengths, and often great expense, to offer customer appreciation days, discounts, awards programs, and more to say, “thank you” to those who patronize their businesses, but often overlook the power of a simple handwritten note. Customer retention is critical to the survival of any business, and a personal note can humanize and deepen customer relationships. Does this mean you should write a note to every customer who walks through your door? Maybe not, but to the customer who placed a large order, the prospect who took the time to consider your proposal but chose not to buy from you, the long-time client, or a brand new customer, a well-written thank you note will be noticed and appreciated.
Giving Thanks to Vendors
Creating a long-term positive relationship with vendors is also important. Think of your vendors as more than just suppliers – a good relationship with your vendors can make your business run more smoothly which has an impact on many other aspects of your business including marketing, promotions, networking and employee relations.
Take the time to write personalized thank you notes to those individuals you have contact with at your vendors. That will most likely include salespeople, accounts receivable, and assistants (always remember those who manage schedules and deliver messages). Thank them for their time at your last meeting, for hustling to get your big order delivered on time, and for giving you great customer service. It’s simple, when you go out of your way to show your appreciation, more often than not, they’ll go out of their way to do a great job.
Take the time to write personalized thank you notes to those individuals you have contact with at your vendors. That will most likely include salespeople, accounts receivable, and assistants (always remember those who manage schedules and deliver messages). Thank them for their time at your last meeting, for hustling to get your big order delivered on time, and for giving you great customer service. It’s simple, when you go out of your way to show your appreciation, more often than not, they’ll go out of their way to do a great job.
Giving Thanks to Employees
Attracting and retaining good employees is essential to your success. Your employees are the front line of your business and those that are happy will convey your business positively to those around them.
Everyone needs praise and appreciation; it provides motivation and inspires us to excel. So next time your marketing team completes a project ahead of schedule, a salesperson goes out of his way to satisfy a customer, or your assistant stays late to help you finish up a report, send a personalized thank you note. This small gesture will breed consistent loyalty and productivity.
For all the good will a thank you card can generate, it doesn’t have to take much time or effort to write. Here are a few simple tips to writing a simple and suitable note.
Everyone needs praise and appreciation; it provides motivation and inspires us to excel. So next time your marketing team completes a project ahead of schedule, a salesperson goes out of his way to satisfy a customer, or your assistant stays late to help you finish up a report, send a personalized thank you note. This small gesture will breed consistent loyalty and productivity.
For all the good will a thank you card can generate, it doesn’t have to take much time or effort to write. Here are a few simple tips to writing a simple and suitable note.
1. Handwrite your message. Keep it short, appropriate, and sincere.
2. Make it personal. Always address the person by name and, whenever possible, address the envelope by hand and use a stamp instead of running the envelope through the postage meter.
3. Express your gratitude. The first sentence should simply state what you are thanking them for.
4. Elaborate. The next sentence or two should expand upon the first. If you’re giving thanks for an item, write how the item is being used. When thanking a customer, vendor or employee, tell them how their actions are having an impact you or your business.
5. Reiterate. Write a sentence simply stating that you appreciate what they have done and look forward to continuing your relationship.
6. Wrap it up with a simple signature.
Finally, keep a few cards in your car or briefcase so you always have one handy. Make it a habit to reach out to customers, vendors, and employees who make a difference and send them a personalized note that same day. Yes, you can always send an email, but a handwritten note will leave a strong impression, build customer loyalty, and generate referrals.
Thank you notes are just one of many personal messages you can send to show how much you appreciate and value your clients. Cybertary can keep track of new clients, birthdays, and anniversaries, then purchase, prepare, and mail all of your special event and holiday cards to the important people in your business life.
