The power of a simple "thank you"

Last night I heard a dynamic and entertaining speaker, Dave Howlett, VP of Corporate Development – Life Sciences at The Magnes Group, Inc., in Oakville, Ontario.

At a meeting of the Halton Peel Communications Association, Dave talked about how to communicate effectively to a group and he shared some of his marketing tips too. Over a 20-year career that ranges from scuba-dive instruction to the Canadian military to insurance brokerage, Dave, a Distinguished Toastmaster, has learned a lot about how to network, how to be memorable and how to run a successful enterprise. Here’s a secret he shared with us last night:

At the end of each workweek, set aside some time to write two thank-you notes. By hand. Not email! Think of someone who did you a good turn that week, or think back to someone who helped you in the past. Take the time to make the message personal and meaningful.

I smiled when Dave revealed this "secret," because I’ve always believed in thank-yous and in handwritten notes and cards. I send birthday cards, I routinely write notes of thanks (although not twice a week) and I am one of the few people I know who actually buys postage stamps.

I’m going to try Dave’s idea. After all, he knows what he’s talking about. He’s the top producer in his office.

(If you’re looking for a keynote or motivational speaker, Dave’s your man.)

P.S. My thank-you note to Dave is in the mail!