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The power of ‘thank you’

July 13, 2015 By    

Former CBS anchor Dan Rather interviewed a 25-year-old several years ago who had emigrated from Cuba and opened a thriving restaurant in Miami. When Rather asked how the man became so successful he replied, “My mother told me to always say, ‘Please, thank you and excuse me.'”

Saying “thank you” in business today seems almost Pollyanna-like, but there is more to the gesture.

On a recent business trip, my wife and I took a shuttle from the airport. The driver navigated us through heavy traffic and several construction detours before finally arriving at the hotel. As he was unloading our bags, I thanked him and gave him a tip. I waited for my wife to get a few steps away before I quietly added, “Thanks for the ride. I would not have been able to find this place on my own.”

It was evident from his reaction that he was surprised and touched. He smiled brightly and said, “No problem.”

The best way to express appreciation to someone is with a written note. Do you remember how you felt when someone unexpectedly thanked you for something you had done? We are naturally drawn to people who appreciate what we do.

Author Pamela Gilberd wrote, “Thank yous, offered and received, help you keep in mind what business is all about: people. Sincere appreciation goes a long way to distinguish you as someone others want to do business with.”

Thank yous will always set you apart – and that can be powerful.

Ken Albrecht is president of Reliable Propane in Clarence Center, N.Y.

Photo courtesy of psd / photo on flickr

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