Writing thank-you notes
The thank-you note is powerful but sadly neglected. In How to Say It, Rosalie Maggio says this:
Thank-you letters enhance business and personal relationships and handsomely reward those who make a practice of sending them….
In the business world, the thank-you note has become a must if you care about your career. “Anyone too busy to say thank you will get fewer and fewer chances to say it.” (Harvey Mackay)
A thank-you note needn’t intimidate you; it’s a simple note; just a few sentences expressing what you would tell the person face-to-face.
Some tips:
- If you’re not sure whether you should send a thank-you, send it. I’ve never heard anyone complain that people send too many thank-you notes.
- Be specific. “Thanks for the gift” or “Thanks for your help” sounds like you’re copying from a template. Tell what you’re thankful for, and why you appreciate it so much. “Thanks for the box of pistachios. You must have known how much I love nibbling on them.” “Thanks for your help with that presentation. The statistics you found were just what I needed.”
- For friends and family, write the note by hand, on a note card or some nice personal stationery. If it’s a thank you for something major (for example, for wedding or graduation gifts), use printed or engraved thank-you cards. If it’s a formal business relationship, a letter on business stationery may be more appropriate.
- Don’t fax a thank-you. Just don’t.
For more hints, consult Maggio’s book, or a good etiquette book. (No, etiquette is not out of style.)
Roy Jacobsen
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