How to Write a Kick-ass Thank You Note

You will learn how and why to write a great business thank you note.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pen
• Paper (preferably your own stationery)

1. When someone in your business life does a favor for you, you need to thank them for it, right away - do not wait! You don't need to go overboard, or reciprocate immediately, or promise that you will help them someday - that goes without saying, or should. Simple, well-timed appreciation goes a long way. There are actually two goals in play: first, to reward this person for doing you a favor, so that they feel good about it; and second, to build a strong network of friends in your industry (not just a stack of business cards).

2. The bare minimum you must do in response to a favor is write a thank you note, which in practice means two notes: one sent by email within a few hours of the favor if possible, and another, handwritten, to follow by regular mail, again posted that day if possible.

3. The email thank you note can be very short; is purpose is to express specific appreciation for their time, insights, offers of introduction and anything else, say thank you and, if appropriate, commit to following up and/or keep the door open to further communication.

4. For example, to a person who met you informationally for coffee, it might say something like:
   
   Thanks so much for taking the time yesterday to meet and chat about your background and what the XXX Foundation is looking for in an analyst. I really enjoyed meeting you and it was good of you to do -- your insights and encouragement were both much appreciated. Thank you also for introducing me to Tom Jones, I look forward to meeting him next week.
   
   Thanks again and I hope our paths cross soon.
   
   All the best,

5. Another example could be:
   Thanks so much for taking the time to meet yesterday and chat about real estate opportunities. I really enjoyed meeting you and it was good of you to do -- your overview was very helpful!
   
   I will check back in and let you know how things are going. Any further thoughts or suggestions are most welcome.
   
   Thanks again for your help -- it is very much appreciated. I hope to see you again soon.

6. Handwritten correspondence is rare and typically personal, so everyone opens it first; this means that if you send a handwritten note, you can be sure that 1) the recipient will read it; and 2) you will be viewed as being unusual and having good manners. A well-written note will really make you look like a star.

7. The handwritten note can be very similar to the email thank you, but depending on the favor may contain an additional sentence or two that mentions something specific - a topic of discussion, something that you particularly appreciated etc. Don't agonize - the most important thing about the handwritten note is that it arrives quickly. An uninspired note that arrives the next day is better than a good note in two weeks.

8. An example of the handwritten thank you note after an interview may be something like the following:
   
   Thanks so much for taking the time Friday to meet and chat about your background and experience with the XXX Group. I really enjoyed meeting you and it was kind of you to do.
   
   I would love to speak further if you believe my background may be a fit for your group.
   
   Thanks again -- I appreciate your time and hope to see you again soon.
   
   All the best,

9. Another example of the handwritten note (to someone that helped you find your job):
   John, I wanted to let you know that I have accepted a position with XXX and start Monday! I’m excited to get started -- thanks again for all your help and encouragement during these past months. I don’t know what I would have done without you! Would love to buy you lunch or coffee once I get settled. Hope things are well with you.

10. Good luck! I hope this was helpful.