Most parents drill their children to say “thank you” when receiving something from someone. People that meet children judge their parents favorably when the children are polite and say “thank you”.
There is a good chance as a child your parents ‘strongly suggested’ you write Thank You Cards for birthday and other gifts received from relatives and family friends.
In today’s age of instant communications, is saying “Thank You” a lost art?
People say “Thank You” all the time. “ty” is the new “Thank You”. However a text message or email or LinkedIn message is easy, and has less impact. How you say Thank You is important. Taking effort to communicate your thanks is much more effective than saying these two words in passing.
When you want to make a difference and want to be remembered, go out of your way when saying thank you. This applies in a job interview context as well as networking. The cost of a card and a postage stamp is minimal compared to the return you receive on being remembered and staying top of mind.
Stand out from your peers. Buy a set of cards and stamps and keep them on your desk. Use them liberally. Write notes with meaning and value in your own handwriting. I guarantee an excellent return on investment.
When was the last time you sent a Thank You Card?
Samuel – excellent post. I have office stationery I use for that very purpose.
Joel,
I appreciate your response. I’m sure those that receive your personalized thank you notes appreciate you as well.
Samuel
Absolutely right. We say we communicate, but Hélas, we really don’t. Even the words “Thank you” are abbreviated. Thank you for the reminder…
Ellen,
How we communicate today is definitely changing because of technology. However, humans need appreciation and recognition. Because technology makes it easier to communicate with each other, making the effort makes a bigger impact.
Thanks for sharing,
Samuel
How right you are…With many thanks. Laurent
Laurent,
Merci a vous!
Samuel
Bravo. Have you read Kralik’s Book “365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life” It is both a “how to” and the best testimonial I could think of for writing thank yous. I write them all the time, but could write so many more.
Ken. I haven’t, but appreciate the suggestions.
We can always show our sincere appreciation by writing more notes. One of the reasons you stand out is because of your personal touch. Your clients and network appreciate you for it.
All the best,
Samuel
The cost of a set of personalized cards along the lines of “From the desk of…” seems like a small investment with the potential to pay great dividends. Thank you for this post.
Jack,
I’m waiting for my personalized hand written thank you card. 🙂
Thanks for your input.
Samuel
Good post Samuel ! Thank you !
This is so true. Still I don’t take my time to hand write a note very often. Never, to be more specific. In this digital era, I use email, social media or text messages. That’s bad. Thank you for reminding me of sending a real card next time!
Anna,
I’m not saying that Thank You Cards should be used all the time. Email, social media and text have a place in the Thank You Chain. The Thank You that is appreciated the most, most remembered and valued is a written note.
Sending you a Social Media Thank You…
Samuel
Important in the art of making healthy relationship with your colleagues and clients.