How to Write a Business Thank-You Note

Thank-you notes are just as welcome in business as they are anywhere else, but they may need to be a bit more formal to be consistent with the corporate atmosphere. Follow these steps to make sure your business thank-you note doesn't sound too casual.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Printer Paper
• Personalized Stationery
• Fountain Pens
• Computers
• Address Books
• Envelopes
• Printers
• Postage Stamps

1. Type up the note using your letterhead to print it on. Avoid sending store-bought thank-you notes.

2. Address the note to a particular person who has helped you or rendered a particular service or favor. Use his or her formal name and title on the address line.

3. Use a more informal greeting ("Dear Bob," "Dear Sue") if you are on a familiar basis with the person you are writing to. Otherwise, the greeting should reflect the person's formal name ("Dear Mr. Jones").

4. Explain who you are and what the note is about in the first few lines. Make reference to the service or favor that has generated your thank-you note.

5. Use professional language throughout the note and a personal, breezy touch.

6. Keep the note as brief as possible while maintaining a tone of friendliness, especially if you are personally acquainted with the person.

7. Close with your formal name and title on the signature line. If you know the person well, sign the note by hand using your first name. Otherwise, sign your full name.

8. Enclose your business card if you do not have a prior relationship with the recipient of the note.

9. Address the envelope using the recipient's formal name and title.

Tips & Warnings

• It can also be appropriate to send flowers or some other thank-you gift if someone has really gone out of his or her way for you.

• Avoid excessive familiarity if you do not have a personal relationship with the recipient.