The Importance of “Giving Thanks”

By Andrea Nierenberg

You can never thank someone too much, or thank too many people in a day. I was taking a trip from Dallas to New York, and was writing out a few (56 actually) thank-you notes. The person next to me asked me if I was a professional note writer! After I explained my system, he hired me.

Based on our research, we've identified the seven most effective opportunities to send "thank you" notes in order to develop new business:

1. When someone offers suggestions. It's a wonderful gift when you are given a suggestion on how you might do something better. Here's how to start this type of note: "Thank you for your suggestion. You make my job easier and so much more enjoyable when you provide input."
2. When people try something you recommended. When others buy into something new, solely based on your suggestion, they're going out of their "comfort zone." This calls for a note that could read, "Thank you for your trust in me."
3. When customers do business with you, every time. Write a short, personalized "thank you" on an interesting card, letterhead, or even a postcard that says, "I appreciate your business; thank you."
4. When people compliment you. When someone compliments you about something, it's an opportunity to jot off a little note of thanks. Compliments are given so rarely, so take the lead to say "thank you" when you get one.
5. When someone recommends you. This is the best form of advertising you can ever get. It's so easy to take the time and go back to an advocate, and say, "Thank you for referring me to... I will keep you informed about what develops."
6. When people are patient. People help us when they give us time to learn how to best work with them. This often requires their patience. A note for this could say, "Thanks for your patience. I appreciate the opportunity to better work with you."
7. When someone says "no" to you. You've just presented your ideas to a co-worker or even a customer, and it was completely rejected. It's still an opportunity to write a short note. Thank others for their time, their consideration and their honesty.

We should thank people because it's the right thing to do. Period. Taking the time to do this builds good relationships, and good relationships build good business.

You can learn more about effective communication in the workplace at these AMA seminars:

• How to Communicate with Diplomacy, Tact and Credibility
• Projecting a Positive Professional Image

Author Bio: Andrea Nierenberg heads The Nierenberg Group, a business consulting firm based in New York. She writes a weekly column for Fortune Small Business On-Line and has been featured in many major publications, including USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Investor's Business Daily and The New York Times . She is the author of Non-Stop Networking--How to Improve Your Life, Luck and Career (Capital Books, 2002) and the upcoming Million Dollar Networking: The Sure Guide to Find, Keep and Grow Your Business (Spring 2005). Contact her at andrean@selfmarketing.com.