A 2019 survey by Ask Your Target Market showed 80% of respondents appreciate receiving thank-you notes — but only 22% of respondents report regularly sending them. That’s a pretty big discrepancy. During the holiday season, you probably received several gifts and may have been hosted at a family member’s house, so now is the perfect time to revive the dying art of the thank-you note. If it’s been a while since you last wrote one, fear not. Here’s everything you need to know to get started. Know When a Note Is Needed. You should strongly consider sending a thank-you note any time you receive a gift, but they are particularly expected after big events like weddings or showers. It’s also good form to send a note whenever someone has done you a big favor or hosted you at their house. Professionally, thank-you notes should always be sent after job interviews. Notes should be sent as soon as possible, ideally within one month of the gift or event. Use Paper. It may seem old-fashioned, but that’s exactly what makes it special. In fact, the Ask Your Target Market survey found that 72% of respondents thought handwritten notes were more meaningful than electronic ones. Even if your handwriting is messy, your recipients will BRINGING BACK A LOST ART YOUR GUIDE TO WRITING A THANK-YOU NOTE
appreciate the personal touch. Exceptions apply for thank-you notes sent after job interviews — due to time sensitivity, these are best sent via email.
Be Specific. Especially when you’ve got a large stack to get through, it’s pretty tempting to write the same note over and over again, changing only the salutation. Don’t give in! While it’s fine to have a template, recipients will recognize when the note you sent them is generic. Be sure to mention exactly what you’re thankful for (not just “the gift”) or how you plan to use the gift.
Now, you’re ready to let people know how much you appreciate them in a way that’s both simple and classic. Your family, friends, and colleagues will be impressed, and who knows, you just might start a trend. MEET DELLA SCHWEITZER
Della is a dedicated, hands-on clinician with more than 20 years' experience in outpatient orthopedics. She's passionate about helping her patients regain function and improve their quality of life. She also enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience to help patients prevent future injuries and stay healthy and independent. She has obtained her certification as an ergonomic specialist and conducts workshops, training, and individual workplace assessments. As a Certified Clinical Instructor, Della enjoys mentoring students following in her footsteps into a rewarding career in physical therapy. Della is a San Diego native. She enjoys traveling with her family, snorkeling, whale watching, and hiking with her dog Bailey.
www.waterpt.com 2
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator