Same job, different uniform.

Friday, June 09, 2006

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.


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2 Comments:

Blogger Unknown said...




I think it is only fair to note that I have been part of a group that has been less than forthcoming about the use of thank yous and even less than that about making sure all appropriate parties are thanked. I have been, at times, one of the thankless...and I regret that, girlfriday...I certainly do.

It is not even realistic to point out that my job(s) at the company do not directly have anything to do with publicity, community relations or interbusiness relationships. I am pretty constrained, on purpose, and yet I have wit enough to know what needs to be done, even if I do not do it...always or ever.

Consider this a heartfelt and contrite apology for considerations given and left unappreciated. Whether this particular bridge is well and truly burnt or not, there is still much "'splaining to do, Lucy!"

Monday, June 12, 2006

 
Blogger girlfriday said...




No bridges have been burned that I know of, old friend!

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

 

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