So, last week was National Write a Letter of Appreciation Week - woops! I’m a little late with this post, but then again, it’s never too late to show someone your appreciation. These tips from sales trainer Nancy Bleeke will be a big help for all of us to begin writing an appreciation note – today!

WRITE the letter. It’s not a phone call, email or text. Pen to paper. The recipient can hold it in their hands and for tactile people, that’s a good thing!

Last month I got a thank you note from a prospect for the follow-up message I sent – on a quality note card and addressed just to them. I knew this Doer type person appreciated it, or he wouldn’t have taken the time.

Be specific in your appreciation. “You are great to work with.” is okay – but something like “I really appreciate how you respond so quickly to my messages.” is much stronger!

As I completed my drive-thru banking transaction last Saturday, the teller said, “Nancy, thank you for writing your account number of the back of the checks, it made it so much easier to pull up your account.” I drove away as the recipient of specific appreciation – and felt how great that is. And the benefit to that teller? I think I will always write the number on the back of the check now.

Do not SELL to them in this letter. The note is to appreciate them and nothing more.

Hand write the address on the envelope. It’s much more personal. Making time for writing these letters or notes will set you apart and get your name in front of people again.

If you really want to make it most meaningful, make it personal. Recognize them as a human being, not just about an action they have taken. Examples: Note their integrity, honesty, concern for others, patience.

The hardest part is DOING this. Schedule an hour or two this week to appreciate others. Include customers, your manager, assistants, colleagues, spouse, children, parents – everyone will appreciate it! Set a goal of the number of people you will write a letter to this week and then WRITE them.

Sales expert Nancy Bleeke, The SalesProInsider, helps organizations set aggressive sales goals and achieve them while boosting profitability by hiring, training and retaining the best employees. She shares her expertise with the Timely Tips ezine and her blog. Learn more and download a free ebook at www.salesproinsider.com

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