Tweet

Whatever Happened to “You’re Welcome?”

Written by: Marjorie Brody

Article Overview: I remember a time – in the not-so-distant past – when people actually said, “You’re welcome” when thanked for a gift, fulfilling a request or performing another activity. Now, it’s “Sure,” “No problem” or worse yet, “No prob,” or “You bet!”

Whatever Happened to “You’re Welcome?”

I remember a time – in the not-so-distant past – when people actually said, “You’re welcome” when thanked for a gift, fulfilling a request or performing another activity.

Now, it’s “Sure,” “No problem” or worse yet, “No prob,” or “You bet!”

Let’s analyze the most common response lately to the statement “thank you” … “No problem.”

Did the person offering thanks ever think that the individual being thanked may have encountered some difficulty? I doubt it. So, when a caller thanks me for providing information or answering a question, why would I imply it could have been a problem by saying, “No problem?”

I don’t even know where “Sure” or “You Bet” came from. I wasn’t gambling when I did a favor for the person.

I only know that all of these responses discounts my “thank you” -- Why did I even bother to offer thanks? Maybe next time I won’t.

Think about that the next time you respond to a thank you … whether it’s from a client, colleague or family member.

Remember, the only acceptable response to “Thanks” or “Thank you” is “You’re Welcome.” Why is that so hard to remember and to say? You can even add, “My pleasure” in a business context.

So, if you’re guilty of this misstep in professional interactions, write down your inappropriate response phrase -- “No problem” or whatever it is -- and draw a big, red “X” through it. Then, practice saying, “You’re welcome.” It won’t hurt.

Thank you.

Related Articles
  Work at Home Mom - The Secret to Success
  Real Work at Home Jobs - Why Cant You Find One?
  Nice Work, If You Can Sit It
  3 Simple Tips To Make Life Smoother
  Leadership Strategies and NO to Burnout

Article Tags: acceptable response, business context, colleague, family member, inappropriate response, misstep, phrase, pleasure, prob, professional interactions, red x



Related Forum Posts
Re: What is the Best Franchise? - As a franchise owner the things that I look for in a prospective franchise is: 1- A proven track record. Too many franchises try and branch out long before they have perfected their product, don't become a guinea pig for them to figure out what works and what doesnt. 2- Support. A good franchise should have great communication with it's franchisee's and be available to meet it's franchisees needs. Youre only contact with them shouldn't be when you have a problem. Good franchises involves it's franchisees in building it's business. 3- A Great System. McDonald's doesn't exactly make a good hamburger but they have an excellent system of conducting business. The real value in a franchise is the system, not necessarily the product. There are many other factors in deciding on a franchise but many of those are personal to you and your situation. The best thing to do is to conduct as much research as possible and speak with every current franchisee you can and get a feel for the franchise. garyshouldis.com


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

TOP Level Selling

Time management for DIY PR

Adjusting Your World

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.