Thank you Notes in Business
A thank you note is a simple yet effective way to express your appreciation for a thoughtful act or gift. However, in today’s business world, people are too busy to write or spend hours getting anxious about perfecting the note – either way; they never ge
1 When to send a thank you note? Send thank you notes in the following work-related situations: • To the host/hostess: Post a dinner invitation • Gifts: All gifts received via courier/mail • Boss: After being entertained by him/her or after
a promotion • Congratulatory notes 3 Why recommend handwritten notes in today’s fastpaced business world? In today’s paperless offices, a hand-written thank you note stands out and has a certain permanency, which an email lacks. It makes your recipient feel that the effort on his/her part was worth it. • Referrals/recommendations for your business
• Colleague: For any special help
• Volunteers: Help for a project (charity, sports or networking event)
• Hospital stay: For sympathy letters/gifts/flowers 2 What’s the appropriate time between receiving a gift and sending a thank you note? Ideally, write a note of thanks within 48 hours, but up to a week is permissible. Having said that, it is never too late - even if a lot of time has lapsed, write one and apologise for the delay.
Personalise your thank you notes, making references to the thoughtful act/gift.
4 Is email an appropriate way to thank? Being quick and easy, email is adequate but an email does not convey any special effort on your part. 5 What kind of stationary should I use? Traditional thank you cards were made of thick paper in shades of white/pearl white, with black/gold lettering. While such cards are timeless and elegant, you may design cards which are appropriate for your business. 6 Are pre-printed thank you cards acceptable? Pre-printed cards are junk mail and don’t create an impression on your business associates. Personalise your thank you notes, making references to the thoughtful act/gift.