“Don’t forget to say ‘Thank you.’”
I can remember my mother and father preaching these words to me as a little girl. Though I’m not little anymore, I’m still giving my thanks and now reminding my grown children of the same thing. But, this article isn’t about parenting.
When someone holds a door open for you, your “thank you” is instinctual. Those words chirp out as verbal appreciation for a nice gesture. While I feel gratitude every day for my family, customers, coworkers, friends, etc, I often don’t stop in my day to day to really think about the thanks I’m giving and receiving.
Two simple words with such power behind them. These small words can create emotions of cheerfulness and optimism, grow self-esteem, and make people feel happy, part of a team, and appreciated.
For your customers, co-workers, employees, and friends/family, here are 4 simple tips for showing them how valued they are:

1. Get personal. Personalization makes an impact when you’re serving your customers day to day, and even more when you employ it to show them your gratitude. I had a customer that had back-to-back issues once. Even though he could have been more than frustrated, he was so patient. I felt as though I needed to let him know how much I appreciated him being so understanding, so I made a certificate: the Certificate of Patience. He thought that it was awesome- and it still is hung up in his cubical today.

2. Put it in writing. Sure, sending an email is easy and technology makes it hard to resist, but the recipient takes special notice when you take the time to hand write your appreciation.

3. Just because. Not because of holiday time, an anniversary, or a birthday, give a gift for no reason at all. The unexpected expression of gratitude leaves plenty of good feelings all around.

4. Impact your culture. It isn’t hard to participate in a culture of gratitude around you. Especially in the workplace, a little bit of appreciation has a way of being contagious.

Every day, there is a reason to share your gratitude. Don’t be afraid to show that you’re paying attention.

You can be going through the motions, or you can be using two powerful words to your advantage. The Queen of Key Accounts is back this week with some grateful insights. Have a unique way you show your thanks to others? Comment below or email Mary directly.