… for Business Thank You Cards
- Learn how to improve your business thank you cards with these quick tips!
1. Prepare immediately
As soon as you finish a meeting, receive a referral, or find another reason to appreciate your contact, prepare their thank you card. Otherwise, this simple but very important act may fall down your list of priorities until it is sent unprofessionally late or completely forgotten.
2. Write legibly
Handwriting a thank you card shows that you care enough to make the effort, but if your handwriting is illegible, the meaning of your card will not be conveyed – take your time.
3. Personalize the content
Refer to your contact by the name she prefers and mention the specific reason you are thankful – if you feel comfortable doing so, tell your contact how their behavior has impacted you personally (not just your company).
4. Consider proportion
In some circumstances, a small token of appreciation (beyond a card) is warranted while, in others, even a card may be too much. Be careful to consider the fit in selecting your thank you telephone call, card, meeting, gift, or other method as the recipient may feel uncomfortable if your gesture is too grand or unappreciated if your gesture is proportionally minimal at best.
5. Close sincerely
Although you don’t have to literally write “Sincerely, [your name],” choose a closing phrase that reflects your relationship and intentions (ie. “Respectfully” “Thanks again” “See you soon”).
6. Minimize personal promotion
Remember that this thank you card is not about you; it’s about your contact and why they deserve to be appreciated. This is not the best time to announce your newest offerings or share your sales pitch.
7. Follow up, where appropriate
If your thank you card/gift requires further explanation, should transition to a business discussion, or you need to confirm its receipt, feel free to follow up but only after an appropriate amount of time for your contact to receive and respond to your gesture has elapsed.
8. Send periodically
Don’t wait for a formal reason to say thank you – periodically sending cards “just because” reminds your contacts you appreciate them more than once or twice a year.
Robyn Davis - Owner, When I Need Help (WINH)
Robyn helps exhibitors improve their results at conventions and trade shows by providing on-site sales and marketing support, pre-/post-event consulting services, and convenient products. Contact Robyn to discuss your situation today!
