Just Say Thank You

Halloween is a time when witches, divas and superheros venture out for trick-or-treating. It’s also a time when you meet a lot of ungrateful munchkins. You know the ones. They come to your house in search of goodies, and before you know it, they’re off to the next house — without saying thank you.
It’s just wrong. But it especially stings when people go out of their way with elaborate halloween decorations. Those are the ones who give the best candy. Instead of getting a quick “thank-you” they hear things like: “Trick-or-treat, smell my feet, what you got for me to eat?”
Is a simple, heartfelt, “thank-you” really too much to ask? The same goes for business.
Some people are so busy that they forget how much it means to show appreciation for kind deeds, whether it’s a secretary or a vendor who produced on your behalf. Personally, I’ll take a thank-you any way I can get it — e-mail or a phone call. But there’s nothing like a short handwritten note. Not only does it impress people – because most people won’t do it – it makes people want to do things for you in the future. It might just mean they’ll take your call the next time you reach out to them. Or it might mean they’ll go out of their way to help you in the future.
No matter how busy you are, take a moment and say thank-you. But if you really want to leave an impression, or possible get a future referal, send a thank you note. Keep a box of thank you cards and stamps in your desk drawer to make follow-up easy.