Thank You Notes Go a Long Way!

Thank you Notes

All You Need to Know About the Ancient Art of Gratitude

 

It has been said that one of the reasons people don't write thank you notes more often is that they don't feel they can find the "right words" to express their appreciation.

Some of the most successful real estate agent that I know make it a point to send out five thank you cards, each and every day. They simply make an "appointment" with themselves, and the entry in the calendar says "write thank you notes." The more you tell people how much you appreciate what they have done for you, the more they will do for you.

 

Here’s the formula for writing a great thank you note, what "supplies" you need to have on hand, sample thank you notes and suggestions on who you can send them to.

I believe that you CAN find five people who have helped you each and every day. (If not, start with just one person and work your way up to five people.)

 

Suggestions on who to write thank you notes to:

Loan Officers J, Home inspectors, Other real estate agents, Builders, Title reps, Escrow officers, Anyone who referred you a prospect, CPA's, Financial planners, Past clients, Friends

 

Six-point formula to write a great thank you note

1. Greet the person by name (or nickname). Dale Carnegie said that people love to hear their own names ― even when written. Each note needs to be handwritten ― even if your handwriting is poor. Hint – your handwriting improves with each note that you write.  Don’t try to be perfect – just do it!
2. Express your gratitude. Don't worry that it sounds "too simple." The point of writing the note is to create a simple expression of heartfelt sentiment.
3. A short discussion on why you were grateful is the follow up to the simple thank you. Say something nice and let them know exactly what they did to help you out. If you can't say something nice (especially to a difficult client you just closed a loan for), try to find at least ONE thing about them that is nice ― it may be their children ― or even acknowledge the difficulties you have had in closing the loan.
4. Mention the past ― allude to the future. Let the person know what they did and how it helped you. In alluding to the future, mention how you can work together in the future; maybe see each other at an associating meeting, maybe go out to lunch.
5. Say it again. "Thanks again for your help (business, kindness, etc.)."
6. Give your regards and sign your name.

Supplies Needed

1. Note paper (3" x 5" or 4" x 6")
2. Envelopes or post cards
3. Ink pen (blue-black ink is recommended by the experts)
4. Supply of first-class stamps

 

Mail It!

Timing is important here. Write and mail the thank you note within 24 hours of the favor. For closed transactions, mail within 30 days. Use first-class stamps and not the postage meter. One of the reasons we resist sending thank you notes is that we don't want to run to the post office for a supply of stamps. Buy a roll of 100 stamps to keep on hand!

 

Here are the numbers:

• 5 notes per day. 25 per week – 1,300 per year.
• That's 1,300 simple expressions of your gratitude!