The Impact of Saying Thank You

I recently wrote about a recent mishap I had when I sprained my ankle and tore a ligament in my foot. It was St. Patty's Day, so we were certain it was going to be a busy night in the emergency room. Sometimes Irish tempers and alcohol do not mix. To my surprise, the emergency room wasn't as busy as I thought, but it was busy enough. I was extremely upset and pushing through a lot of pain as I waited in the emergency room to be seen by a doctor at my local hospital. There was a wait and tempers around me were beginning to rise. I witness many people verbally attacking the receptionist in the ER and just basically being rude.

When it was my turn, I hobbled over and they quickly came to my aid with a wheel chair, ice and a smile. The receptionist turned to me and said two simple words "thank you". It was so surreal. Here they were helping me and I was the one being thanked.... I was touched. That simple gesture was so powerful and absolutely made me feel like I was appreciated.

How often do we take the time, in any situation, both good and bad, to say Thank you to our customers? How about our employees? What would their reaction be when they hear those two simple words?

In today's fast pace business climate, keeping up with basic manners almost seem impossible but taking the time to say "Thank You" to your customers can give you a competitive edge. With our economy in such turmoil these days, how about reaching out to your customers to say thank you for your business, we are here with you to the end. I recently had a client do this and the reaction from his clients was unbelievable - not to mention the retained business.

Simple tasks you can take to thank your clients:

·Simply say thank you. "Thank you for calling", "Thank you for waiting", "Thank you for doing business with us" or just "thanks"

·Send an email or even better a hand written note.

·Throw a client appreciation day and offer discounts, increased services or just a luncheon or party.

· Send a thank you gift, something small but memorable. The more personalized you can make it versus the same gift for every customer.

· Send a unique piece of literature, a poem or an article that you think would touch your customers.

· Donate to a charity in your customer's name

Gratitude is such a simple way to build your business and stand by your brand. Be the company that cares about its clients and take a moment to say Thank You to your customers and let them know how much you appreciate them. to all, will have a bigger impact.

©Kellie D’Andrea & Associates
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