Using thank you notes is often overlooked and forgotten in today’s media crazed internet and social media sites. It is definitely something you should not forget and here’s why.
In communication of any sort making the other person feel good about themselves and have a higher level of respect is an attention grabber. People like to hear and feel good about themselves. So if you can make a person feel good about themselves and shed them in positive light you are on to something. It is just part of human nature.
In sales training this is validated and taught over and over again to influence people to get a sale or whatever. Not necessarily manipulating them but this happens.
It is a two way street. Give and you shall receive. So a day to day practice could be to give more by verbal influence and having a positive effect on others throughout your day. This in turn will be reciprocated at point, and in some positive way.
Part of this process involves People that help you on your journey. These people should be thanked for their help. This will make them feel good and thanking them makes you feel good. It is a win win.
The question then arises; What is the best way to say thank you to somebody, effectively? I would have to say first that some form of thank you is better than not saying thank you at all. As with so many things in life usually the easier things to do are the ones that are not the best things to do. For instance sending a thank you in the form of an email. Not very warm and inviting and subconsciously you would probably be saying to yourself, “I should have sent them a thank you card instead of that email”. Pay attention to that little voice because it is usually right.
The best way to say thank you is in person. That is the best way to get your sincerity and gratitude across to the other person. Plus there is a hug or a firm handshake to enforce the gesture and expression on your face. Very powerful. Social stationery is the next best thing.
The next best way is through a nice notecard. The note card doesn’t have to be personalized, it could just have a simple motif at the top. It should be formal stationery though, not some run of the mill that you buy at the office supply store or the grocery. Stationery should be about the same expression and impression you are trying to make as if you were there in person. So instead of that handshake, you are using this piece of paper.
Now there are many options for stationery, in fact, men now have a great option which really wasn’t around before. There is specific stationery for men that is available that really can say a lot about your character and passions through the use of some different and manly motifs. Having it personalized will make it nicer and better received but either way, you won’t be forgotten.
The same goes for children. At an early age as children begin to write their names they can at least sign a thank you card for a birthday preset of Christmas gift they received. This will help them learn the power of using simple thank you baby cards. When they see the parents they will feel good when they hear “Thank you so much for your wonderful note”. This will go a long way with children.
Even before children are born mothers should be think of purchasing a nice set of thank you baby cards. Why? because after a baby shower you will certainly need to send thank notes for all the gifts you received. So be sure to buy some nice baby stationery to write the notes on.
More importantly just remember that saying thank you has a positive and lifting effect on everybody, so say it often.
