I had this client that we will call “Sally” because that was her name. And Sally used to call me and thank me for the thank you cards I would send her. Crazy, I know, but this is going somewhere.
One day, Sally called me to thank me and said the following “You really must have been in a hurry this time, because you never signed your name on the note” I found it odd that she would know it was from me because I never sent a company branded card. “Sally, is my handwriting that bad?” I asked inquisitively. “Nope! I knew it was from you because you are the only one who ever thanks me for my business!”
I was completely dumbfounded! Not one person thanks them for their business and yet they bought a tremendous amount of products and services each month from various vendors.
Where’s the love?
Funny thing about love . . . ‘tis the absence of love that makes us crave love more. And should someone come along willing to give that love when you don’t, well you become history. Cool thought but why was I compelled to use the word “’tis” I never talk that way but I digress.
Gratitude . . . such a simple emotion. We all crave it. We all know we should express it but then life shows up and moves us along at the speed of light!
Here are a few ways for you to leverage the power of the “Thank You”
1) Use it as an opportunity to brand yourself. Is there a unique way you can express gratitude to your client? And no, sending an email “thank you” isn’t the answer. You’re better than that!
2) Go to your local bakery and have them make a giant cookie with “Thanks for letting us take a bite out of your business”
3) Use a thank you card as a way of giving written confirmation of a verbal agreement. When you are prospecting and no matter how hard you try, they want you to call back next month, remind them of that agreement in a thank you card. Heck, you don’t even have to wait for something like that. How about sending a thank you to someone who took the time to hear you out and you were able to engage in a brief conversation? How many do you think they get from reps trying to get an appointment? Methinks zip!
4) While you’re at it, show some love to the assistant that was very helpful to you. They could use some gratitude too! Oh, and pretty much everyone forgets the assistant. Just sayin!
5) Go out and get some funny cards. We’re all wound way too tight these days. If you’re the creative type, create your own!
6) When was the last time you expressed gratitude to your team? The best stars always thank their best supporting cast. Fant Smith, President of Audax Strategies was notorious for giving out Starbucks cards when he was a Sales Rep at Courier Printing. Guess that’s why he owns his own business today.
7) Thank people for opportunities, even when they go with someone else. How many of those do you think they get? Way to make yourself look professional dude!
8) Give thanks to those who have inspired you, helped you & kicked you in the rear! Doing so encourages them to continue to help others! Psst . . . it makes you feel good too 
And in your own personal way, give thanks for another day. Kind of a cool gift when we really stop to think about it.
How do you express gratitude?
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Hi Paul,
you are a master of The Little Big Things. Thanks becomes a luxury item. High in demand but extremely rare in supply. Funny as it is so easy give so often deserved.
Keep going with your discovery tour through sadly forgotten values!
Enjoy life and THANK YOU!
Roy
@ Roy: Thank you my friend! Truth be told, one of the things that inspired this was forgetting to send a thank you to someone who sent me a very thoughtful birthday present.
We are all works in progress . . . especially this crazy aspiring rock star!
All the best Roy!
With respect and appreciation,
Paul Castain
Hey Paul, Great post-Thank You. I really enjoy the design of your blog and your “fresh” take on sales. As a more tangible Thank You, I’ll tweet this link.
Thanks,
Kenny
@ksteamtraining
Paul – you are so right! This is a great reminder. It’s true that the handwritten note is so much more impactful than an email. No one does them anymore so it’s easy to stand out.
I love the idea of using it as a confirmation of a verbal agreement…never thought of that! Thanks, Melanie
Funny how we are always searching for ways to connect with people and range out further and further in search of the “holy grail” that will put us over the top, when the fundamentals (like saying “thank you”) are so easy yet so important. Doing it creatively makes it even more noticeable and more fun. Muchas Gracias Paul!
Awesome! Thanks!
Thanks for not sucking as a blogger!!!!
Sorry, couldn’t resist Paul. This was some sweet action, as always.
Thanks for bringing your ‘A’ game every time man.
Thanks Paul. Great blog. 2 such simple words yet they convey so much; show appreciation, make a connection, and open the door for all sorts of possibilities…and it costs nothing. I’ll say it again.. ‘Thank -you!’
Many, many thanks to you for your awesome presentation to our company….I’ll be in touch soon!
Have a remarkable day!
THANK YOU PAUL!
Paul,
Every time I write a thank card it brings back memories of a dear client I had when I was starting out in sales. I was young and my first boss in sales, said it was not proper to send thank you cards in business. My parents always said send a Thank you card for every gift you receive or anytime you appreciate someone’s actions. I was torn. I called on a prospective client who agreed to meet with me. After our first meeting, before he ever bought a thing, I sent him a thank you card. I knew I was breaking the rule, but I was truly thankful that he took the time to meet with me and listen (and not laugh) while I butchered my presentation. He called and said he had NEVER received a thank you card before for anything, let alone his time. He was honestly touched by the gesture. He was a “forever” client and friend, until he passed away. Needless to say, I always write cards, just like my Mamma taught me.
And thank you all for the kind words and comments.
I’ll be stopping back later to do these wonderful comments justice!
Thanks again
Paul Castain
Paul,
I want to say thank you to you. Your words are an inspiration. You help me to think about new ways to do things, as well as reminding me of the basics. All while helping me not feel stupid for not knowing or for having forgotten something.
Your words have meaning and impact.
Again, thank you.
Dan
amen & amen! i truly have to thank my parents for instilling this practice in me…there is something about getting a thank you card – especially when hand-written…i have a client that actually sends me a thank you card after i work with her…it warms my heart…and reminds me…how far a simple thank you goes…
great post!
This is the age of the THANK YOU economy. I wonder what your thought are on something like SendOutCards.com for Thank You notes? I have used it with some success. I always wish I had the time to do a hand written thank you for everyone, but that gets so time consuming.
I went back and read through these awesome comments again last night and just now and it brings me to yet another point . . . don’t ever underestimate the power of gratitude to the person receiving it.
Thank you all for weighing in on this and your kind words . . . thanks for reading my blog too
Rock on!
Paul
Before I started my business I was always bad at sending thank you cards (my wedding ones went out three months later). However, a couple of years ago I started sending out thank you letters to prospect employers and then switched into handwritten cards. I actualy received a sales position because of the hand written note and bag of dove chocolates that I delivered 20 minutes after my interview.
People love receiving the thank you cards, so why wouldn’t they think to do the same?
Another group that should be on the list to receive your special thank yous is the people that give you referrals. I have receive a couple of referrals recently and I wanted to thank them in a special way, so I thought along with the card I would give them a $5 gift card to a local gas station (instead of a coffee card).
Thanks again Paul for your great blog and all of the other discussion that I have followed because of you. I have learned so much from you and all of your followers.
Erika
Thanks Paul,
You are a master at reminding us of the things we were taught as every day courtesies but somehow seem to forget when it comes to the business world. I cannot tell you how many times it has made a difference for me to have sent a thank you (or even just said thank you) to folks. I guess that is why I love being in the promotions business–it is part of my job to model the behaviour I would love to see everyone doing!
Keep these reminders coming–you help make me a better salesperson each time I read one! Thanks-
Holly