>And then there was the furniture store man. His story is a lesson in using common sense. I purchased a recliner for my husband - the store owner even helped me trick him into trying one on for size so I'd get it right - and then he sent a thank you note immediately. So, my husband didn't see his recliner until Christmas, but he knew he was getting it two weeks earlier.

The rule is that a thank you note should be sent within 48 hours - especially if you're thanking people for donations - but do use common sense during the

You've known it all your life: Saying Thank You is a good thing. It makes people feel good, it makes people like you better, and it makes you feel good when you see a smile in return. Or better yet, a "Your welcome."

Unfortunately, in too many businesses those two words have fallen by the wayside. And they shouldn't. Some might argue that business isn't about feeling good, but I disagree. It is about making your customers feel good and glad to do business with you. It's about having employees who are glad to be with us and treat our customers well as a result. It's about us feeling good about our work, too.

And, since "no man is an island," we need our vendors and even our competitors to feel good about us. Saying thank you to them makes them more cooperative and more willing to help next time we need them.

Even better is adding a little compliment. Sometimes its hard to think of one - like when the girl in the deli hands your purchase over the counter. But if you try, you can. And you'll be shocked at the reward you get when you compliment someone who isn't used to hearing it. Their smiles can light the room. As a result, they'll feel good and do a better job all day. And - you'll feel good and do a better job all day.

Sales people, such as those in real estate and insurance, should take it one step further and send a note. It doesn't have to be long, and in fact it shouldn't be. Just say something such as:

Thanks for meeting with me on Tuesday. I enjoyed visiting with you and appreciated the tour of your home. I'd love to hang a "sold" sign out front for you!

Please call when I can be of assistance.

Retail sales people can achieve similar success with thank you notes. There was once a lady in a major department store who kept track of her customer's preferences and sent them a note when something new came in. After they came in she sent a thank you - even if they didn't make a purchase. Were her customers loyal? You bet they were. They wouldn't dream of shopping in that store when she wasn't on duty.

And then there was the furniture store man. His story is a lesson in using common sense. I purchased a recliner for my husband - the store owner even helped me trick him into trying one on for size so I'd get it right - and then he sent a thank you note immediately. So, my husband didn't see his recliner until Christmas, but he knew he was getting it two weeks earlier.

The rule is that a thank you note should be sent within 48 hours - especially if you're thanking people for donations - but do use common sense during the

with us and treat our customers well as a result. It's about us feeling good about our work, too.

And, since "no man is an island," we need our vendors and even our competitors to feel good about us. Saying thank you to them makes them more cooperative and more willing to help next time we need them.

Even better is adding a little compliment. Sometimes its hard to think of one - like when the girl in the deli hands your purchase over the counter. But if you try, you can. And you'll be shocked at the reward you get when you compliment someone who isn't used to hearing it. Their smiles can light the room. As a result, they'll feel good and do a better job all day. And - you'll feel good and do a better job all day.

Sales people, such as those in real estate and insurance, should take it one step further and send a note. It doesn't have to be long, and in fact it shouldn't be. Just say something such as:

Thanks for meeting with me on Tuesday. I enjoyed visiting with you and appreciated the tour of your home. I'd love to hang a "sold" sign out front for you!

Please call when I can be of assistance.

Retail sales people can achieve similar success with thank you notes. There was once a lady in a major department store who kept track of her customer's preferences and sent them a note when something new came in. After they came in she sent a thank you - even if they didn't make a purchase. Were her customers loyal? You bet they were. They wouldn't dream of shopping in that store when she wasn't on duty.

And then there was the furniture store man. His story is a lesson in using common sense. I purchased a recliner for my husband - the store owner even helped me trick him into trying one on for size so I'd get it right - and then he sent a thank you note immediately. So, my husband didn't see his recliner until Christmas, but he knew he was getting it two weeks earlier.

The rule is that a thank you note should be sent within 48 hours - especially if you're thanking people for donations - but do use common sense during the

get when you compliment someone who isn't used to hearing it. Their smiles can light the room. As a result, they'll feel good and do a better job all day. And - you'll feel good and do a better job all day.

Sales people, such as those in real estate and insurance, should take it one step further and send a note. It doesn't have to be long, and in fact it shouldn't be. Just say something such as:

Thanks for meeting with me on Tuesday. I enjoyed visiting with you and appreciated the tour of your home. I'd love to hang a "sold" sign out front for you!

Please call when I can be of assistance.

Retail sales people can achieve similar success with thank you notes. There was once a lady in a major department store who kept track of her customer's preferences and sent them a note when something new came in. After they came in she sent a thank you - even if they didn't make a purchase. Were her customers loyal? You bet they were. They wouldn't dream of shopping in that store when she wasn't on duty.

And then there was the furniture store man. His story is a lesson in using common sense. I purchased a recliner for my husband - the store owner even helped me trick him into trying one on for size so I'd get it right - and then he sent a thank you note immediately. So, my husband didn't see his recliner until Christmas, but he knew he was getting it two weeks earlier.

The rule is that a thank you note should be sent within 48 hours - especially if you're thanking people for donations - but do use common sense during the

I'd love to hang a "sold" sign out front for you!

Please call when I can be of assistance.

Retail sales people can achieve similar success with thank you notes. There was once a lady in a major department store who kept track of her customer's preferences and sent them a note when something new came in. After they came in she sent a thank you - even if they didn't make a purchase. Were her customers loyal? You bet they were. They wouldn't dream of shopping in that store when she wasn't on duty.

And then there was the furniture store man. His story is a lesson in using common sense. I purchased a recliner for my husband - the store owner even helped me trick him into trying one on for size so I'd get it right - and then he sent a thank you note immediately. So, my husband didn't see his recliner until Christmas, but he knew he was getting it two weeks earlier.

The rule is that a thank you note should be sent within 48 hours - especially if you're thanking people for donations - but do use common sense during the

>And then there was the furniture store man. His story is a lesson in using common sense. I purchased a recliner for my husband - the store owner even helped me trick him into trying one on for size so I'd get it right - and then he sent a thank you note immediately. So, my husband didn't see his recliner until Christmas, but he knew he was getting it two weeks earlier.

The rule is that a thank you note should be sent within 48 hours - especially if you're thanking people for donations - but do use common sense during the holidays!