It’s one of the first things parents teach their children to say. You were probably taught this as well, I know I was. So why do we, as adults, forget to do it so often in business? Simply saying these two words: thank you.
You may be thinking that as a business owner you have so many other important things to do that saying thank isn’t a top priority.
Possible reasons you don’t say thank you often enough:
- You’re too busy - You believe it isn’t necessary - You don’t think to do it (or you forget)
- You think saying thank you is only for the big things - People rarely thank you, so why should you bother There is actually no down side to saying thank you. Think about it, can you remember a time when someone thanked you for something and you didn’t like it? We humans crave acknowledgment and feel validated when we receive it.
Benefits of saying thank you:
> People feel appreciated, respected, and valued > People get to share in the success they helped you achieve > People feel acknowledged for what they do for you > People may help again knowing that it is appreciated > People remember who thanks them (and who doesn’t)
One tip, please don’t say thank you as a ploy or strategy to gain something, only do it if you really mean it. Sincerity is an integral part of being thankful and if your thank you isn’t sincere, it will show. Say thank you because you want to and don’t hope, or expect, to be thanked in return. It’s not about keeping score.
Here are some ideas about who you can thank:
* Clients * Prospects * Colleagues * Partners * Anyone who helps you with your business So what is a good reason to say thank you? This is up to you and varies for each person. You can thank someone who:
- Buys something from your business - Gives you an interesting introduction - Refers you to a client - Gives you new ideas - Shares valuable information with you (articles, websites, books)
Saying thank you doesn’t have to cost a thing and it’s easy to do. If you want to, you can spend a little money and give a small present.
Ways to say thank you:
* Simply say the words, thank you, on the phone or in person * Send an e-mail * Send an ecard * Send a text/sms message * Send a brief note by post * Give (or send) a small gift The most important thing is that you do it so don’t let the method get in the way.
Of course it is always nice to thank people in a timely way and it is never too late. Do you know the expression, “better late than never”? If you are thinking about someone who helped you with your business and you wish you would have thanked them for it, do it now.
When you thank people you are showing your gratitude. This is an indirect bonus for you because feeling grateful feels good. Saying thank you acknowledges the person you thank, benefits your business, and is rewarding for you personally.
It may be difficult to measure exactly how saying thank you affects your business and I promise you, it does make a difference. The results may not be immediate and remember don’t expect anything. Just trust that ‘what comes around goes around’ and what you give out comes back to you in some way.
Saying thank you is a habit and simply requires you to notice, and then acknowledge, the nice things people do for you and your business. Who can you thank today?
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