Don’t Forget to Say “Thank You”

In my last blog, I wrote about how important it is during this season of giving to give back to your community, either through monetary gifts or in-kind services, or by providing volunteers. This time, I’d like to talk about the “thanks” part of Thanksgiving. Here are some ideas for saying “thanks” to your employees, customers and vendors.

Thank employees

Say “thank you” in person. Encourage managers to make the time to walk around and thank each person on their team for contributing to the success of the organization. A personal thank you is much more meaningful than an email or a thank you during an “all hands” meeting.

Give a gift or cash award. Include a gift, cash or gift card with the personal thank you. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should be meaningful.

Take your team to lunch. Have each manager take their team out to lunch to celebrate the holidays and say “thank you.”

Give a half-day off for shopping. Help employees avoid the weekend crowds by giving them a half-day off during the season to do some shopping.

Thank customers and vendors

Send a written thank you note. Yes, it sounds “old school” but emails can get missed and easily deleted. Write a personal note expressing your gratitude for their business and include something specific to make it personal.  It will be remembered and appreciated far more than a form letter or template.

Hold a customer-appreciation event. Invite customers to your facility for food and beverages and give them the opportunity to meet (and hear “thank you” from) the people they may only know via phone.

Send a gift. Send cookies, a logo item, or some other treat to show your gratitude for their business.

Acknowledge them. Say “thank you” to your top customers and vendors in your company newsletter, on your website, or through your social media channels.

Make a referral.  Word-of-mouth is the best form of advertising, and referring someone to one of your vendors is a great way to say “thank you.”

And don’t limit saying “thank you” to just this season. Make your employees, customers and vendors feel appreciated every day.  It’s a small investment with a very big return.

Thank you! For following my blog and providing your comments and feedback!

Happy Thanksgiving!