One of the best things that you can do to grow your virtual assistant business (or your circle of friends) is to learn the art of writing a thank you note. On a practical level, writing thank you notes is just plain good manners, and people like to be a appreciated. On a more metaphysical level, you get back what you give - -and thank someone is a great way to give.
Usually, there are two things that stop people from writing thank you notes. The first is lack of time or inability to get to the post office to mail the card off. I used to have this problem until I started using Send Out Cards -- a greeting card service that allows you to compose and send real life greeting cards from your computer. Once I signed up, my excuses for not getting cards in the mail evaporated. The system even allows you to use your own handwriting -- and colored ink. Don't go overboard with this -- blue or black are your best bets.
The second (and bigger) reason that people don't send thank you's is that they simply don't know how to write them. Use this 6 point outline and you will be writing your thank you notes with ease.
1. The Greeting
Dear Suzanne,
There, you are off to a good start.... Now, remember to use the person's name. It is amazing how many people forget.
2. Express Your Gratitude
Thank you for promoting my teleseminar as an affiliate.
OK -- this seems easy might be a little tricky. Avoid the "writing" trap. Don't say -- I'm just writing to thank you... Also, don't mention specific cash amounts -- thank you for your generosity works really well for this.
3. Why is it important?
Your hard work as an affiliate helped the teleseminar to get its largest audience to date.
If it is a tangible gift, write about what you love about it. Thank you for the sweater - It is a beautiful shade of teal. Or, the candles you sent match my living room perfectly. Even if you don't love it -- don't lie - find *something* about the gift that is appealing to you.
4. Tie the note into the past and allude to the future.
You have always been one of my top supporters, I am looking forward to working with you in future.
Why did the person help you out or give you a gift? If you see the person frequently or have a regular relationship with them, ou could say something like - "I always enjoy working with you, I 'll call you soon". If it is someone who don't know - try saying something like " you are in my thoughts, I hope that the next year goes well for you".
5. Thanks one more time.
Thanks again for your help.
It's not overkill to say thanks again. So say it.
6. Ending
All the Best,
Meredith
Wrap it up, if you have a standard ending, use it her. Sign your name and you are done :)
What's Not There
Notice there isn't anything there about how your life, or your business or how you are doing. The note is not about you, it is about the recipient and what they have done for you. Even if there aren't a lot of thank you notes sent in your circle, be gracious and set an example.
Meredith Eisenberg is a successful virtual assistant who helps other VAs to create successful and lucrative practices helping coaches and other heart-based entrepreneurs. Go to http://greetingcardsforvirtualassistants.com to find out how you can use greeting cards to create a thriving virtual assistant practice.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Meredith_Eisenberg
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