girlfriday: thank now or forever hold your peace

We all have one thing in common: We forget to say thank you.

The omission is more egregious when it is committed against friends and family, but it is more dangerous when it is committed professionally.

If a company does you a professional favor, it is unwise to forget to say thanks. If, for example, they offer their time and resources to market your nonprofit, doesn't it seem like the best policy to write them a thank-you note? If time is money, then their time is tantamount to receiving a monetary gift. Would you neglect a donor?

What will incent that company to continue giving away its services?
What will compel a donor to keep giving?
Why would a volunteer continue donating her time if no one ever acknowledges it?

In our hearts we know that we should be willing to give with our left hand without our right hand noticing.

Companies cannot be so generous. Professional courtesy demands an expression of gratitude.

Email is trite, but it is better than nothing. A handwritten note is so unheard of it's not likely to be forgotten. A phone call is the most meaningful.

And never, under any circumstances, simply ignore an offer of help from a company.

Not that I would know.