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January 07, 2011
Driving Loyalty By Saying Thank You
By Paul Kirch, PRC
I’ve spent my career trying to help others, and in return, I’ve often received help when I needed it. When I’m on the receiving end, I always try to show my appreciation. What I’ve noticed is that not everyone takes time out to do that. For example, over the years, I’ve helped several people find employment or have connected companies with potential employees. I’m happy to help when I can, especially when it’s for people I truly respect, and while, I do not do so for the recognition, it’s always nice when someone takes the time to show appreciation for my efforts. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve seen some forms of gratitude which stood out, since they were very thoughtful and showed real appreciation, it made me reflect on how I say thank you, and it put into light the importance of expressing your appreciation. I’d like to share three examples.
First off, I recently helped someone who was job searching. I made an introduction to a potential employer I felt needed someone like this individual. It ended up being a good fit and worked out. I had very little to do with this person earning the job beyond a recommendation and an introduction. Despite that, I received a wonderful thank you gift that went to good use. Not only was I surprised, I was deeply impressed that this person felt I helped make such an impact.
The second example stems from helping a recent college graduate. I served as a mentor during her junior and senior year, helping her with some life decisions related to her career. She is someone who works hard and has a lot of drive. Though she didn’t always have confidence in herself, she was someone who I knew would find success. She recently found a job she’s very excited about, and though I had nothing to do with that, she felt I was helpful throughout the time we’ve gotten to know each other. She recently thanked me by sharing a really thoughtful, unsolicited referral on a social networking site which expressed how much she appreciated my help.
The third example is much less personal, but it still stood out as significant. Last year, I subscribed to an audio interview series conducted by Tony Robins, called Money Masters. It was conducted among a group of marketing experts who shared their tips for success. Each month was a new interview and they were all exceptional. I learned a great deal and truly became inspired by each. A few days ago, I received a message from Tony Robins telling me that they were sending me a DVD with all of the interviews included on one disk. This was shipped as a thank you for being one of the first customers to purchase this series. There were no strings attached and no cost associated with it.
These are just three examples of how you can say thank you to clients, colleagues or others for their efforts and time. In each example, I’m clearly going to be vested in the success of each individual. It wasn’t about money spent. It wasn’t about what they gave. It was about the fact that they took out time to say “thank you” in a special way. How are you saying thank you? Have you thanked your clients in a way which stands out? If you sent holiday gifts, that’s a nice gesture. However, many companies or people expect it, so it’s less impactful. What are you doing to say thank you the rest of the year?
Paul Kirch, PRC is the president/CEO of ActusMR, Inc.
This gives me some new thoughts about how I should be responding to clients after we complete a project with them. So often, we have had daily contact with specific individuals for several weeks and then the project is completed and we don't talk till the next project. It always seems as if their is something that should have been said but didn't get said because the project is now over and you have nothing to talk about. Your thank you suggestion can fill that gap. Thank you for the idea and the daily blog. You ideas are well thought out and right on target. I appreciate - thanks.
- Jerry Carter 01/07/2011
