Giving thanks to clients and coworkers

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Along with the fried turkeys and games of geriatric football, at my parents’ house we tend to reflect on what we’re thankful for.

Saying thanks should be something we do all year, in our personal lives and our professional ones. In the business world, it lets someone else know that you care. You’re listening to their perspective. You appreciate their hard work or input.

A client thank you can take many forms and it can generate good feelings about you and your brand. As with marketing in general, consistency is the key to making it really stick. Handwritten thank you notes are traditional, and their ability to brighten a day seems to have multiplied in our tech-filled professional lives. Send a note to a client, a referral partner or someone who gave you advice on how to handle a tricky situation or offered up a restaurant recommendation.

Video is also easy and can infuse your thank you with emotion. Turn the camera on yourself and show the giver how you’re using their gift or advice. The recipient will see and hear how grateful you are. Of course, an email message or phone call is also a nice touch. The point is to say thank you — just do it.

Don’t forget opportunities for different audiences. Sure, it’s important to thank your clients, but your coworkers need a thank-you as well. From a marketing perspective, they are the voice of your business, and a little extra appreciation helps them feel good about spreading positive things about your company.

Do you have a friend or colleague who is really good at showing their appreciation? I admire those types of people and wish I could be a little bit more like them. I think it must come naturally, but it probably doesn’t. It’s probably more of a routine that the person has to nurture. I’ll try harder. Thank you for reading!