We all feel better, more appreciated and more connected when someone says “Thank you.” Those simple words are powerful business builders in today’s economy where our competitors sit one click or one tap away on a consumer’s phone, tablet or laptop.
Research shows that customers spend more, employees accomplish more, and vendors are more likely to pay on time, when regularly thanked.
“We’re living in what I like to call the ‘Thank You Economy,’ because only the companies that can figure out how to mind their manners in a very old-fashioned way — and do it authentically — are going to have a prayer of competing,” says social media expert and author of the book The Thank You Economy Gary Vaynerchuk in a recent Entrepreneur.com column. “I care a great deal about the bottom line, but I care about my customers even more. That’s always been my competitive advantage,” Vaynerchuck says.
How exactly can you harness the power of appreciation? Here are ten ways to thank your customers, employees and vendors not just at Thanksgiving, but all year.
10 WAYS TO SAY THANK YOU ALL YEAR AROUND
- Be Specific
Instead of using a generic “Thanks for your help,” or “Thanks for the great work,” try being specific about what you appreciate. “Thanks for putting in the extra hours yesterday to get the Gartner proposal out,” comes across as more thoughtful and sincere. - Get Personalize
A blanket “tha
nks a lot everyone” is not as powerful as a “Thank you, Jane, for your insights into the client needs. You really helped us close that deal.” Use the name of the person you are thanking. If appropriate, tell why it meant so much to you, personally. “I truly appreciate your help, Steve. I was unsure about how to solve this customer concern. I feel good knowing we stood behind our promises.” - Get Analog
Every once in a while someone does something extraordinary. When that happens, why not send a handwritten note? A thank you card or postcard in the mail, a hand-written post-it note on a monitor, or a $5 Starbucks’ card and a hand-written thank you show your recipient how much their actions meant to you. The analog version of a thank you note stands out from the more usual email thank you. - Stay Authentic
People know when they’re getting snowed. Be authentic and sincere. Don’t try to gush if that’s not what you do. If you are specific and personal it’s much easier to be authentic. - Go Public
If you are thanking a vendor or business partner, posting a great review or comment on their website, Yelp listing, LinkedIN profile or other digital, social network is a great way to reinforce your thanks, and to do give back a little for their business. - 6. Refer business
We’ve probably all seen the signs “Your referrals are the best way to say thank you.” It happens to be true! Nothing tells a vendor, partner or supplier how much you appreciate the good work they’re doing than a referral. When you make the referral, be sure to do it in such a way that both parties know you have made the connection. - Be spontaneous
You don’t need to wait for the big ta-dah before you say thank you. Keep in mind the little things that go right every day or the small ways in which someone has made your day or your work easier. Keep a supply of thank you notes or stickers or pocket cards like those found at Give More http://www.givemore.com/category/pocket-cards/. Small, consistent appreciation is, well, appreciated. - Shout it Out
Just as we recommend you publically thank your key vendors and partners, thanking a team member in a public way is a great motivator and morale booster. When a team member is thanked publically – in a specific and personal way – the entire team benefits by learning what is expected and how they, too, an be recognized for exceptional customer service, reducing errors, or improving the sales process. - Thanks for the Complaint
When people take the time and trouble to complain, they are often acting out of a desire to stay engaged and to give companies and opportunity to make things right. Only by taking the time and energy to share their story will organizations see things from a different perspective. The head of customer support may think the new labels are perfect, but in reality, customers can’t read the labels after a few days of use. So thank those complainers and take their feedback to heart. - Do it Different
Your organization is different from your competitors. You have a different vision, a different corporate culture and a different way of doing things that set you apart. When it comes to thinking people who help your company or team more forward, let your difference shine through. Create an award for internal shout outs that fits your culture. If your company supports a cause, tie your thank you’s into that cause. By making the effort to be a little different, you’ll earn big smiles.
We’d like to know how you say “Thank you,” to your partners, customers and team members. If you’d like to share, you can reply in the comment section or post on our Facebook page.
Thank you all for being our customers, partners, vendors and team members.
Authored by Val Sanford, The Val Sanford Group
