Yesterday I got this note from my hairdresser. Do you get hand-written notes from your hairdresser? How would you feel if you did? Valued, respected and connected? Because I sure did.
Thank you notes are a lost art. The power of gratitude (and good manners) cannot be overstated. Whether you’re building a brand, a relationship or trust, a personal note of thanks shows just what type of person you are: the type who values the time and energy of others.
I know managers who don’t allow their employees to write personal notes because they’re afraid the employees will have bad handwriting or poor grammar. They’re afraid imperfect communications won’t effectively represent their brands. I urge them to swallow these fears. A personal note has real power, even if it’s not perfect. An expression of sincere gratitude isn’t about form. It’s about intent.
Below are five steps for a well-written thank you. Use them, and your gratitude will shine. Your customers or colleagues will feel loved. You will build loyalty for your brand in an authentic, personal way.
- Handwritten and mailed is best. People are pleasantly surprised to get a note of thanks in the mailbox. But if you absolutely don’t have time to hand-write it, don’t skip it. Send an email or a text, or even an audio or video file of yourself saying thank you.
- Start with how you feel. Feelings show connection, and connection leads to trust. You don’t have to get emotional. You can say: “Thanks for choosing us for your home loan. I felt so proud to help you get the house you wanted.” Or “Thanks for meeting with me yesterday. I’m so grateful for your time.” Or, “Thanks for choosing me as your new health coach. I’m excited about the changes you’re embracing; I feel honored to be part of your journey.”
- Mention what’s next. Building relationships is a long-term effort. So mention when you’ll see the person next, or when they’ll hear from you again. If it’s the end of the transaction, open a door for the future. You can say, “I’m really looking forward to seeing you in June.” Or, “If you need anything else, please don’t hesitate to call. I’ll check in and see how you’re doing in a few months.” Or, “I hope you’ll be at the party next month. I’d love to catch up with you.”
- Skip the B.S. If it’s not true, don’t say it. It’s not noble to say you enjoy someone’s company if you don’t. Instead, find something for which you are grateful. Gratitude isn’t just the foundation of your note; it’s the foundation of joy. Period. A consistent focus on gratitude will change your business, and your life.
- Include why you’re grateful for the giver – not just the gift. “I’m so grateful to have clients like you.” Or, “I feel so fortunate that you’re part of my business.” Or, “My days are so much nicer because you are in them.”
Saying thank you costs so little and means so much. You’ll see big changes in your relationships, in your outlook and in your life.
