HOW TO...Say Thank You

 Everyone is familiar with the etiquette of sending Thank You cards after weddings, showers and birthdays.  But what about all the other moments in life when a friend, a colleague or a business helps you out in some way that truly makes a difference?  In a modern world of spotty customer service, reality shows and sensational media it's nice to feel appreciated and create a real connection with others.  We have so many outlets for communication it's not hard to let someone know your gratitude.  Below are some ways you can thank the people in your life.  I challenge you to try at least two methods a week and see how it changes your world.

1. Social Media - Write on someone's wall, send them a private message or tag them in a post. Let all their friends, fans and followers know how much they are appreciated. Keep it clean, well written and be specific. 

2. Email - Send a carefully composed grammatically correct email written in letter form.  This is not a text so use punctuation, full words and complete sentences.  If it's a business you might end up as a testimonial for future clients.

3. Phone call - This one's the hardest for me but thanking someone directly is the simplest way to let them know you care.  We're so used to our computers and smart phones we've forgotten the art of conversation.  

4. Mail a letter - Who gets real letters anymore?  How wonderful would it be to get something handwritten and addressed to you?  Buy some stamps, some pretty thank you cards and go to town.  You don't have their address?  Call and get it.  Then you'll have it on file for the next time they do something awesome.  

5. Lunch or coffee - This one's my favorite. If you're really looking to build the relationship then this is the way to go.  If it's someone you don't know very well, come up with some topics of discussion ahead of time so the conversation's easy.