When’s the last time you celebrated someone by thanking them? A simple “thank you” can go a long way.
Here are four ways to give back and say “thank you” in a meaningful and authentic way. Below are some great examples of what Flint Group has done for their employees and clients. I hope they inspires you to take five minutes out of your day to give thanks to someone.
1. Classic: Send a hand-written thank you card.
In November, Flint sent all employees a handwritten note and a gift card to a local grocery store. Not only was it time-appropriate to send a grocery store gift card because of Thanksgiving, but it also was special because the entire leadership team hand signed their names. Be intentional about words, design, and timing of sending out thank you cards.
2. Send a special delivery.
Ladyboss Midwest had women speak at their Marketing Lab event. Instead of just sending a thank you email, they took the time to send their speakers flowers the day before they presented. It was such a thoughtful way to say “thank you”– and also an intentional way of passing along encouragement before they presented. The flowers weren’t just flowers— – they meant “you got this, and we appreciate you.”
3. Make it local.
During the holidays, it’s easy to shop at big box stores and get something cheaper by buying in bulk for employees or clients. But have you considered the thought behind giving a client or co-worker something local and meaningful? It’s not about the cost of the item, but rather, the sentiment behind the gift. For example, Flint sent a client that lives in a different city some Duluth-specific hot chocolate and hand-crafted mugs. We know that the client loves to visit Duluth and wanted to give them something that was thoughtful and authentic to our relationship with them.
4. Say thank you the way you’d want to be thanked.
Have you heard the golden rule “treat others the way you want to be treated”?” In gift-giving and thank yous, there’s a platinum rule to live by, too: “Say thank you the way they want to be thanked.” It might be as small as a recognition or as big as a holiday bonus. If you and your client connect over something specific like red wine, basketball, or yummy food, why not send that specific gift? For example, if you and your client connect over the love for wine, say something like, “I had this wonderful wine and thought you would enjoy it too!” Be thoughtful of your employees and clients and personalize, personalize, personalize.