Bringing Back a Lost Art
Your Guide to Writing a Thank-You Note
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.
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 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.
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
The Street Vet Saving the Lives of Homeless Individuals’ Pets
Veterinarian and animal advocate Dr. Kwane Stewart, known in his docuseries as “The Street Vet,” has his own veterinary practice in Modesto, California, but still makes a point to help the pets of the homeless population in town for free. He began this selfless act of heroism in 2011 after the Great Recession hit and has since helped well over 400 animals, even tending to a Burmese python at one point! About 25% of Modesto’s homeless population own a pet, and back in 2011, Dr. Stewart noticed that many needed medical attention. This tugged at his heart strings. Knowing that many would come for free pet medical attention if he set up a table near a soup kitchen, Dr. Stewart jumped at the opportunity. What he thought would be a one-time event eventually turned into a regular act of heroism. Now, Dr. Stewart has the ability to step in and save the day for both the pet and owner at no cost. Dr. Stewart has found that the bond between homeless individuals and their pets is unlike any that he sees in his office. “Keep in mind that they are with their pet every minute of every day,” he says. “That’s not the case with most of us.” He notes that seeing these special pet patients makes him feel as if he has a superpower. Dr. Stewart recalls that growing
up, he wanted to be either a vet or Batman, and now, he gets the best of both worlds!
Dr. Stewart often spends his spare time wandering the streets in search of pets that need his help, offering free vaccinations and medical care. He notes that the homeless population is just like us, but they have fallen on hard times, and their pets are their companions and lifelines. In helping the pets, Dr. Stewart builds a special bond with their owners. To be able to make a difference in the lives of sweet, innocent animals and their owners is the most rewarding type of work — the dream job Dr. Stewart could have never even conjured up before he selflessly started living it.
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