This is a time of year where as much as things speed up they also slow down. They let us take a pause and reflect on the past year. It’s a time where we can express our gratitude for all that we have. This is a great time of year to show your gratitude to your clients, your employees and your loved ones. Without their support all year we wouldn’t be able to continue to run our businesses. There are so many ways to show your gratitude, I’ve compiled a short list of things you can do!
1-Custom Card
My favorite way has always been with a card. I think the tangible aspect of having something to hold is great. It’s a physical reminder that you are thinking about the other person. My dad’s late boss used to this. Every holiday, he’d get a lovely card in the mail with a personal note from the boss. Even after he retired, the cards kept coming. I fell in love with the idea of sending a card because I could see how much those cards meant to my dad. That’s why I, personally, like to write my own message on the inside, but if that’s not you, that’s okay. There are plenty of cards out there with messages already to go on the inside.
If you’re worried about what to say, write from the heart and tell the person a few (nice, clean) reasons you’re thankful for their support or write a favorite quote on the inside. I’m a graphic designer so I love to make my own cards and I love to make cards for my fellow business professionals. This is great for sales professionals and those in management.
2-Give Away
This is another great one for those in sales or management. Choose a fun item that has a purpose such as a mug or photo frame. You can contact a promotional items company to get them for you with your company name, logo and message on the item. It’s a sweet gift that will show the recipient that you are thankful for their support, plus it’s a great marketing tool as these items usually sit on a person’s desk all year long.
3-Phone Call/Email
This is the easiest and least costly item on the list. It still has impact because you are reaching out with a personal phone call or email. There are so many apps now that let you write on your photographs and you can easily use that as quick e-card. Personally, I’d opt for the phone call because it harkens back to an era when the pace of life was slower and a lot less digital. Nowadays, we’re overwhelmed with e-mails so the phone call feels more personal to me. However, if e-mail is the recipients favored mode of communication, use it!
4-Host a Party/Event
No joke, host a party. It doesn’t have to be formal. It can be an open-house style party where people come and go. A networking friend of mine does this every year. They get a cute invitation made, open up their back yard at their house, provide snacks and desserts and invite everyone over. It fosters a relationship with clients and builds morale amongst employees. People work with the people they know and trust. It’s also fun to get to know new people and be in a different less structured environment
5-Discount
This is the second easiest one and perfect if you have a lot of clients to thank. Provide a discount code on a pre-determined product or service. You see this a lot with very large companies, but small companies can do it too. This method thanks current customers for their support and can also be used to attract new customers.
Here are just 5 ways to show your gratitude for your clients and/or employees. I hope they have inspired you to be show your thankfulness this time of year.
Lastly, thank you all so much for your support of Purple Rose Graphics! None of this would be possible with out you. So, thank you for everything!