The Promotional Power of Giving Thanks
Thanking people is one of the most basic courtesies in life, and yet it is one of the most neglected in business. You probably either say or type the words "Thank You" multiple times every day, but how often do you go out of your way to make it feel sincere? How often do you think people know you really mean it? Regardless of the industry, showing thanks is universally beneficial to all companies. Making it a habit is a great way to build good will (and your business) quickly.

Clients
There are many things that prompt people to purchase from a company they have used in the past. In addition to receiving good service and a quality product, it's important that customers like the provider. A small gift or a personal note to say thank you will make the customer feel you truly appreciate their business, which exponentially increases the possibility of them purchasing from you again.

Prospects
Thanking potential customers gives an edge in competitive situations, and it can be as simple as leaving behind a gift after a sales call, a meeting or providing a quote. Thanking prospects for the opportunity to win their business will not only set you apart from your competition, but it presents you with a great opportunity to leave your logo and contact information in a place they will see frequently during their decision making process.

Employees
Feeling appreciated motivates and inspires people to excel. Making small gestures to thank employees for their hard work, breeds loyalty and in turn increases productivity. It is also likely that they will strive to do even better in the future in order to continue receiving praise.

Vendors
Building a positive relationship with your vendors can only be good for business, yet so many people overlook the importance of it. The suppliers you purchase from dictate how smoothly your own business runs and have an impact on both your employees and your customers. While there is always someone else you can purchase from, loyal vendors you can rely on and who will help you out in a jam are a priceless asset.

Making saying thank you an integral part of your business can be extremely rewarding if you follow a few simple guidelines.

- Make Every Thank You Personal. Sure, you could send an email, but a handwritten note is going to feel far more special. Also, using a handwritten envelope and a regular postage stamp will ensure it gets opened by the recipient.

- Be Unique. In addition to thank you notes and personalized gifts, you can also make a big impact by offering something exclusive. Consider options like giving people an opportunity to test a new product before it's on the market or holding a special, invitation only, event.

- No Strings Attached. It is important that your thanks feels sincere, so do not use it to solicit anything. Just making someone feel appreciated prompts them to reciprocate.

- Don't Wait. Showing thanks is as much about courtesy as anything else, so it's good to make your efforts within a few days of the thing you are thanking someone for.

- Make Time For It. Many people have the best of intentions when planning to say thank you, but they get busy and the past gets forgotten. Integrate showing appreciation into your standard routine so that it doesn't fall through the cracks.

People can't help but like someone who makes them feel appreciated. Saying "Thank You" is universally one of the easiest and most effective ways to strengthen your business relationships year round. Take advantage of these two simple yet profound words that humanize a business, and use them to increase your bottom line.




Additional MacDryverisms:
Let the chocolate do the thanking with an assorted gift box. Available in a mixture of milk and dark chocolate, assorted sets in various sizes make great gifts for individuals or entire offices.
An inexpensive item like bookmarks can be a great way to say thank you to each and every customer. Their light weight and flat design make them perfect for including in the envelope with invoices.
Create amazing thank you cards that demand attention by embracing lenticular motion technology. Save money by using a stock image or design your own spectacular cover for added impact.