It’s been said that an image can speak a thousand words, but one word, “thanks,” can also cover quite a lot of ground. As we move faster as a culture every day the simple act of saying “thank you” often gets lost in the shuffle, along with manners and more, unfortunately. In the business world, and in marketing and communications specifically, we can’t allow this to happen.
This comes to mind today for two reasons – a card I received in the mail and something a journalist colleague recently told me.
Snail Mail
I had a meeting last week with a colleague I had not seen in some time. It was no inconvenience and he actually ended up helping me with something. A few days after the meeting I received a thank you card with a handwritten note inside, in the mail (yes, that service we used to use when we sent letters). It was nothing extravagant, but it took me back a bit. He had taken the time to get the thank you card, write in it and mail it.
What if we did that with our clients and or our colleagues or vendors? When we are recognized or appreciated we feel special and that triggers positive emotions in our brain that associate with a person or experience. Wouldn’t it make sense to help your clients associate positively with your company?
Media Has Feelings Too
In our job we work with media on a nearly daily basis. If you work with media too, I suggest you show them a little gratitude just as you would a client. No, I’m not trying to butter them up with this post (though, if you are a journalist reading this we do appreciate you!), but this is often overlooked.
I recently spoke with a journalist colleague after collaborating on a story and told him thanks. It was a pleasure working with him. While this was not an uncommon exchange for us, he stopped me and said “Thank you. I appreciate that, we (journalists) don’t hear that often.” Some people practicing public relations or charged with media relations view the relationship as though the media outlet owes them something and the reporter or editor covering the company is just a cog in the machine. This is not the case and those operating under such a guise are sadly mistaken.
When we work with a journalist on a story I try to always be cognizant of:
- The many alternatives they had available to choose from as resources (They didn’t HAVE to work with you or cover your business/client)
- Their deadlines, hectic schedule, etc. (Think you’re busy? Journalists these days are required to cover many beats and are on VERY short deadlines. They are too!)
- Their work (They want to produce quality products – stories – and care about their outputs too.)
Just as we are busy, have choices to make and ultimately care about how our work turns out, so do they! Why not write a reporter a little thank you email after a story publishes or send them a quick note on how you appreciated their work? Trust me, it will go a long way in building your relationship with that person and possibly open doors for other things in the future. It will also help your reputation as a good resource or person to work with – and you can’t beat that!
Food for Thought
We’re in public relations. We are charged with fostering and growing relationships. Appreciation, respect and caring are part of that. Let’s make an effort to increase our “thanks” with everyone we work with. I can almost guarantee it will positively impact your company/organization and PR!
With this in mind I thank you for taking the time to visit our blog, our website and for reading this post. We appreciate your feedback too and would welcome any comments you may have. Of course, if we can return the favor and help you in anyway, just let us know.