“I really think you could go a long way in the music industry.”
These were the words coming out of the mouth of a man I’d only met once. I stood awestruck in the doorway of his office. A senior vice president of a well-known and prestigious music organization had just given me, an unpaid intern, an enormous compliment. “Thank you sir,” I replied.
Truth is, I’d already thanked him. The day before I sent off thank you notes to the whole office. It took me the better part of a night, but I made sure that everyone in the 40-50 person office who I had interacted with on some level, got a note. In the case of the aforementioned senior vice president, I had only been introduced to him once at the beginning of my internship.
Yet, as I was saying my goodbyes on my final day, here he was telling me I’d go far in one of the most competitive industries around.
One of the best pieces of advice I have ever received is to write thank you notes. They take 5 minutes of your time (less if you’re crafty) and can establish relationships for a lifetime. The results have spoken for themselves. I’ve had dozens of job opportunities thrown at me in the wake of a well-designed thank you note.
The Guinness Book of World Records named Joe Girard the “world’s greatest car salesman.” Not the most prestigious title but one worthy of praise none-the-less. Selling cars is no easy task. One of his secrets was to write every one of his 13,000 customers a thank you card once a month. That’s 156,000 thank you notes a year! Each card had a simple note: “I like you.” That’s it. Simple and effective.
Here’s how to write a thank you note:
- Remind your reader who you are if they might not remember. Make sure you identify yourself with something positive and easily recognizable. “I’m the intern who passed out $100 dollar bills to everyone,” not “I’m the guy who spilled hot coffee all over your pants.”
- Don’t wait too long after you’ve met the person or worked for them to send a note. I recommend no longer than a week so you’re face is fresh in their memory.
- If it’s someone who gets a lot of cards, make your note stands out. Bright, colored paper usually does the trick.
- Keep the note short. We’re all busy.
- Include a short compliment. Complimenting people makes them like you. Two studies by Howard, Gengler, & Jain, 1995, 1997 affirmed this fact clearly. Do not worry about being subtle. Joe Girard’s blantant “I like you,” is evidence that people appreciate a compliment regardless.
- Include all of your contact information at the bottom.
Here’s an example of something I might write:
Dear Joe Executive,
It was awesome working for you these past 6 months. I’m glad you liked my polka-dot suit at the staff party. I think you’re hillarious too.
I hope to speak and do business with you soon.
Thanks,
Derek
(555) 555-5555
derek@liveuncomfortably.com
Everyone likes to feel important. Make someone feel special by sending a thank you note. You’ll be ahead of the competition if you do!
