NYPCMA Logo
eNewsletter - 4th Quarter 2011

6 Powerful Tips To Say Thank You 

 

By Sue Hershkowitz-Coore, CSP
www.SpeakerSue.com
Copyright 2011
 

 

"The question used to be, 'Is it appropriate to send holiday wishes in an email?'" says Sue Hershkowitz-Coore, known affectionately as "SpeakerSue" to fans around the world. "Of course it is," she says. The issue isn't if you can, it's figuring out how to do it well.

 

Here are 6 powerful tips to help you say Thank You and Happy Holiday in a meaningful way:


1. It's about them. Whatever you say, write or do has to be about helping the other person feel appreciated so it should not be about your company or brand. Whether you email or mail a generic "Wishing you happy holidays from all of us at fill-in-the-blank" file, you've lost the reason for the message. Take the time to transmit a personal message along with the generic pdf. Or hand write a note in the pre-printed card, mentioning something that you appreciate about the other person. 

 

The goal is to help recipients feel good about themselves and your relationship - not to get your entire data base done in one click.

 

2. Skip the business. "Whatever you do, don't be tempted to ask for future business in your holiday greeting," says SpeakerSue. It's in poor taste to pretend you're sending a thank you when, in fact, you're creating a promotional piece. This isn't the time for mugs with your logo on tee shirts with your company name (unless they also work for the same company!). 


3. Sound like yourself. It's easy to get caught up in the hype of the holiday and start "waxing philosophical" on your holiday greetings. Make your message heartfelt, conversational and concise. Don't copy a message someone else wrote. If your company style is edgy, use that edginess in your holiday greeting too. No rule says you have to be serious but every rule says you need to be real.

 

4. Don't sip and send! If you haven't made a list of those people you're grateful for or your email holiday list, don't start after a few glasses of eggnog. Drinking and sending email never work well together and all that holiday cheer can be a problem. "Being friendly and familiar are different. After a few cocktails, it's easy to forget that customers and employees aren't our best friends forever." Avoid getting carried away with your sentiments, treating email holiday writing just as you would any other business project.

5. Be political. You're likely to offend someone regardless of what you call the holiday season. "Happy Holidays" seems to be the least annoying to most. Be cautious of including religious quotes in your email notes, too. "Keeping church (temple and mosque) separate from business is smart business, even in a holiday message. Of course, you can say and do what you want with your personal friends, but just as you're clever enough to monitor what you post to your FaceBook page, think before sending that religious messaging. Yes, you have the right, but if your point is to show gratefulness to them, refrain.


6. Consider another holiday. If you don't like these guidelines, send your message at another time. December is the typical time to send holiday greetings and that is exactly why it may not be the best time to show gratefulness.  Sending an authentic message full of gratefulness is perfect anytime of the year.



Sue Hershkowitz-Coore - SpeakerSue - is the author of Power Sales Writing and How to Say It To Sell It! She has been named a Platinum Speaker by Meeting Professionals Int'l for 12 consecutive years and designated "Best in Class" Speaker by the prestigious Professional Convention Managers Association for 2009 - 2012. When you want to energize your attendees and provide content that will help them communicate more persuasively, professionally and profitably, email <[email protected]> or call Connie at 480-575-9711. Follow Sue on Facebook, Check Sue's calendar today for your next event!