Profit from “Thank You”
Nov 17, 2024
Study after study reveals “Thank you” as an integral part of a positive work culture. Customers spend more money and return more often. Employees tell their friends to come join the team lowering the cost of talent attraction. Productivity goes up. Profits rise.
Who knew two little words hold such power?
But then the last thing you want is another item on your to-do list even if it is to express gratitude.
So what are the most effective and efficient ways for you to say “Thank you!” in your company culture?
Here are three great ways to give thanks. Think of them as the profitability keys of “thank you.” (And please note that there’s no mention of turkey thus eliminating left-overs and naps.)
Handwritten Notes
Handwritten notes are the most powerful expression of “Thank you” today. They are intimate, authentic, and sincere.
Everyone else emails, texts, and posts. You take three minutes with pen, not pixel, in hand and write to customers something like, “I know you could buy (insert product or service here) from lots of other stores. Thank you for choosing to do business with us” or to employees something like, “I know you could work anywhere because yes, you’re that talented. Thank you for choosing to work with me on our team.” As you do, you connect with your customers so tightly that they spend more with you and tell their friends about your exceptional care. Employees stay on the team because they’re seen, heard, and appreciated.
And yes, three minutes is all it takes. That’s the longest anyone took in one of my workshops where we do this activity.
You are memorable for the right reasons when you say “Thank you” with a handwritten note to your customers and employees.
Donations
“Thank you” to employees equals giving a raise or a discount to customers for some leaders. Do it as you can, but you experience better results when you do something that speaks into the employee’s or customer’s life like giving an end-of-year gift to a favorite charity. If your mother died of breast cancer and your boss gives a donation in her memory, that says “Thank you” in a vastly more personal way. Or, if a customer’s child asks to put a box of candy bars on the counter to raise money for a school trip, that places great value on the relationship beyond the transaction.
Another opportunity to consider besides these two examples is an honorary gift. For instance, an employee has an autistic child. Give a donation to the school he attends or to an Autism Society. Adopt an equine therapy horse that a customer’s grandchild rides. Such an expression of gratitude deepens employees’ and customers’ commitment to the company thus increasing.
Lifestyle Gifts
I’m sure employee and customer conversations include family, sports, and other lifestyle topics.
Maybe he says something about a new grandchild. Say “Thank you” by going to Amazon and sending a copy of a children’s book like Goodnight Moon or Love You Forever. Attach a note to it.
Or, perhaps an employee is from Los Angeles, loves the Dodgers, and the two of you discussed the World Series. Send her a replica jersey…while they last.
Something personal makes you a stand-out employer and business worthy of your employees and customers going the extra mile for you when you need it.
Say “Thank you” efficiently, effectively, and profitably through:
- handwritten notes
- donations, and
- lifestyle gifts.
Grow people and profits with thanksgiving as you Work Positive!
What’s your question about how to create a positive work culture? Ask Dr. Joey here.
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