How to Express Your Heartfelt Thanks

When should you send a card to say Thank You? Probably more often than you do! almost all people like to be thanked for gift-giving and thoughtful actions. It’s also nice to be remembered and acknowledged for gifts of time and talent as well.

The best thank you card is given promptly; but better late than never. You may have spoken the words, “Thank you,” but there is no substitute for also putting your thanks in writing. In all instances, keep your message brief and sincere. Being too wordy or gushing too effusively will probably only embarrass your recipient. Accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative. In other words, a thank you note is not the time to add a “back-handed” compliment, such as, “Thank you for the blue sweater; I wish it fit better.”

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that a Thank You card is too formal to send to family and friends. Who better to acknowledge than those who are so integral in our lives? Certainly, in these cases, your style will be as warm and informal as your relationship. You may be thanking them for a gift or for hospitality, for lending an item or lending a hand, for encouraging words or for just listening.

When you can, give detail to your thanks:

• I love the beautiful blue sweater you gave me.
• Thank you for a wonderful visit; we had a great time.
• We so appreciate you lending us your lawn mower when ours broke down.
• Many thanks for helping us pack for the move.
• I can’t thank you enough for your supportive words.
• Thank you so much for just letting me talk things through.

Professionally, the habit of sending business Thank You cards can make a real difference in the measure of success you achieve. Not only should you thank existing clients and customers for their continuing business, but you should thank those potential customers who have given their precious time to listen to you pitch. And, certainly, if someone has valued you enough to recommend you to others, shouldn’t you show how much you value and appreciate their confidence? Thanking an employer for an interview also makes good business sense and may just make you the candidate who gets the job!

Whether you are a business owner or a team leader, you know that your staff is one of your biggest investments and one of your most valuable assets. Expressing your thanks to them for loyal dedication and diligent work helps to secure the continuation of both. Specifically stating the reason for your thanks offers them a roadmap for future success. Their performance directly reflects your performance.

You may start with a Thank You note that has a preprinted verse, to which you will add a personal note, or with a blank card that says “Thank You” on its face. Whichever you choose, you can be assured that any expression of your thanks is always appropriate and sure to be warmly received.