The Importance of Thank You Notes

Our post today is about something that’s really important to me … thank you notes.

I was fortunate enough to have been raised by a mother who instilled the importance of writing a thank you note.  It seems natural to me to break out my stash of stationery anytime I receive a gift or am the beneficiary of a sweet gesture.  I am often told by friends that they can’t compete with my promptness and deep down my inner Emily Post is smiling.

I never realized the impact a handwritten thank you note had until my adult years.  I started to receive feedback from people that wasn’t expected but reinforced my belief of how important it is.  Some examples that have stuck with me:

  • After a TV segment I wrote a thank you note and the producer said she was pleasantly surprised and thrilled to receive a handwritten note.  I have worked with her now for over 10 years.
  • An interview went well and I promptly wrote a thank you letter.  I was offered the position and was told that my thank you letter sealed the deal.
  • I participated in a breast cancer walk and hand wrote thank you notes to everyone who donated money to my walk.  I was pleasantly surprised to see my thank you notes hung up at the businesses that donated and at friends homes.

There are even more examples, but these are a few that really show the impact they have.  When someone takes the time to buy you a gift, have you at their home, donate to your cause, etc.; the least you can do to show your appreciation is to take a few moments of your time to hand write a few words of appreciation.  Your message will especially stand out in the age of email, text and instant messages.

xoxo

Jennifer