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The Best Gift During the Holidays is a ‘THANK YOU’

The holiday season can cause so much stress that many people don’t have much ‘free time’ to really enjoy themselves the way they wished they could have. Sometimes that has a lot to do with job and professional commitments and unusual schedules for family members. At a time of the year when we need to be appreciative and grateful, we instead don’t find the time to sit and look back on all of the good things and times we had during the year. It is an easy thing to forget in the midst of our turbulent lives the simple art of saying ‘Thank You.” By incorporating a ‘thank you’ system into your life you will reap many rewards both professionally and personally while cementing relationships with clients, friends, and relatives.

“The more you put the gift of ‘Thank You’ to work, the more you feed the flame within you.”

I know what you are thinking. Who has the time to spend on these good-natured remarks? You say, “Sure, Mom and Dad had time to do these things but our time is much different. We have two spouses working, kids in school, clubs, organizations, and commitments.” Actually, that is the reason you need to spend more time saying, ‘thank you’. I can promise you will harvest immeasurable rewards for doing so.

“Using a person’s name in hand written notes helps you to connect to them in a very personal fashion.”

One of the best ways to thank someone is a simple hand written note or card. Emails are quick but not personal and no where as effective. You will be remembered by your friends, peers, relatives, prospects, mentors and clients. You will stand out. Get into a habit of writing ‘thank-you’ notes. Keep a stack in your office of cards to send out. Make it a habit to send out one card every day once you read this. That’s right, 7 a week. How hard is that? Ten minutes of your time everyday could bring back rewarding relationships into your life. I have made it a habit of doing this over the last several years and it has paid off tremendously.

“Touch the lives of those you know and remember from days past with carefully chosen handwritten words.”

New prospects for your business

A mentor who gives you great advice

A person who referred your company or product

A follow up after a luncheon, meeting, or conference call

Someone who was kind to you today

Great service you received in a restaurant or while purchasing an item at a retail store

A job well done by a peer, employee, or an associate of yours

For the time someone granted you today

People love to be appreciated and acknowledged. Many times people are recognized for their kindness or for assisting another. Don’t let that opportunity pass you by. Over time it will change your life. Thanking others will strengthen relationships and set you apart from others who take these kind acts for granted and ignore them.

Book recommendation: THE ART OF THANK YOU “Crafting Notes of Gratitude” by Connie Leas

In addition to sending ‘thank you’ cards another card is one that says ‘Thinking of you’. What better time of the year than December and the New Year starting in January than to send out cards or notes stating you were thinking of your friends, customers, peers, and relatives or someone who made a positive impression on your life from years back. Not you, nor myself, have had any success in life without the presence of someone who helped make that happen. Think of your friends you don’t see any more, relatives you don’t visit, a teacher who was an important part of your life before you were too busy, or a mentor who led you in the right direction.

Life is short. Memories are shorter. Being grateful of those who made an impact on your life either professionally or personally should always be remembered. Make their day and at the same time make your day a good one. I guarantee you will be glad you make this plan a new part of your life. Think of the people who helped make you a better person. You know they are out there. Don’t forget them.

Keep Punching!