Writing a thank you note only takes a few minutes, but it’s one of the most important things you can do when you receive a gift or someone does something nice for you. It’s always appropriate to send a thank you note, even if it’s for a gift you don’t want or a favor you didn’t ask for. Whether someone gives you concert tickets or offers to watch your child so you and your spouse can go out, take the time to jot a note and get it in the mail as soon as possible.
Show of Appreciation
Many people groan when they’re told that they should write thank you notes because they think they’re a hassle, and they worry they won’t come up with the right words. Remember that someone spent time or money doing whatever you need to thank them for. If you wonder whether or not you should send one, chances are, the answer is “yes.”
There are some instances when may jot a quick email, but it’s a good idea to follow up with a letter or note that requires an envelope and postage. Whether you receive a gift, attend a dinner party, or have an important business meeting with good results, you’ll stand out afterward with a strategically written note. It’s also nice to send someone a thank you note for simply being a good friend.
If you have pretty stationery, you’ll probably enjoy writing thank you notes more often. You might even want to invest in a pack of blank cards. However, there is nothing wrong with using plain white paper and envelopes.
Thank You Note Examples
Thank you notes don’t have to be long, but they should be specific to the sender and the item. Be specific about the gift, add a sentence about the item, and close with a pleasantry. If you have more to write, by all means, include more. Just make sure you have the important part of the thank you note at the top.
Here are some examples of well written but brief thank you notes:
Dear Uncle John,
Thank you for the CD you sent for my birthday. I’ve been to this band’s concerts, and now I’m happy that I can listen to their songs whenever I want. I look forward to seeing you during the holidays.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Blakewell,
Nick and I are happy you were able to share the joy of our marriage and the wedding reception afterward. We’d like to thank you for the check that puts us closer to our goal of a down payment on a house. Next time you’re in town, give us a call, and perhaps we can have you over for dinner.
Always,
Patty and Jeremy
Dear Joanna,
We had a wonderful weekend in San Francisco. Thank you for your generosity and giving us such a comfortable place to stay. We’d love to reciprocate if you’re ever on the East Coast.
Dear Mr. Henderson,
Thank you for taking the time to discuss the sales management position with Henderson and Associates. After hearing about some of your sales procedures, I feel that I am well suited for this job. If you have any additional questions about my skills or qualifications, please don’t hesitate to call.
Sincerely,
Sarah Myers
When to Send a Thank You Note There are quite a few occasions when thank you notes should be used. The general rule of thumb that is the other person spends time, money, or effort on you, a thank you note is in order.
When to Send a Thank You Note
Here’s a partial list of occasions when it’s appropriate to follow up with a note:
- After you receive a gift of any kind – birthday, bridal shower, wedding, engagement, baby shower, or holiday
- When you return home after staying at someone’s home
- The day after a party, whether it is in the person’s home or at a restaurant
- After a job interview
- After someone does something special for you – recommends you for a position, helps move furniture from your old apartment to your new house, offers tickets to your favorite band’s concert, or when someone volunteers to watch your children
- If you are in charge of volunteers who work hard for the cause
Teach Your Children to Write Thank You Notes
One of the most important things parents should do is teach their children proper etiquette. Let your child know that sending a thank you note is not only a nice thing to do, it leaves a good impression with the receiver. Writing thank you notes will get them in the habit of something that can aid in their success as adults.
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If you recently acquired a new customer or contract because of a referral, it’s important to send a letter of appreciation for the recommendation. This article explains the importance of thank you notes for referrals, provides a template for thank-you notes and answers some frequently asked questions about thank-you notes.
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What is a referral thank-you note?
A referral thank-you note is an expression of appreciation to someone who has recommended your business, products or services.
Sending a thank-you note is a professional way to strengthen your professional relationships with customers or other businesses that recommend you. This can lead to more business referrals, especially if you give these individuals referrals as well.
You can send referral thank-you notes when:
- Customers refer friends or family to your business.
- A business sends you new customers or their referral leads to a new contract
Why are thank-you notes important?
It’s important to show an organization or individual that you recognize and appreciate their confidence in your business. Letting someone know that you recognize what they’ve done for you can also encourage future business and referrals. Fostering your business relationships in this way can result in valuable partnerships between your organization and others.
How to write a “thank you for the referral” note
Follow these steps to write a thank-you note:
1. Greet the recipient professionally
Include your salutation and greet the recipient using their last name, Greeting them in this manner conveys a sense of professionalism and respect.
2. Express your gratitude
Be specific about the nature of the referral and explain how the referral helped your business. Sharing how their referral created a specific outcome will emphasize your genuine appreciation.
3. Conclude and close your note
Write a brief conclusion. Consider offering a complimentary service or discount on future products. If your referrer was another business, letting them know that you will return the favor with customer referrals can also show your appreciation.
4. Include your contact information
Include your direct phone number and email address to encourage a friendly relationship. This can lead to additional business referrals or add to your professional network.
5. Proofread and send your note
If you are emailing your thank you note, use spellcheck features to make sure your letter is free of grammatical errors and typos. If you’re sending your thank you note through the mail, have a friend or colleague review it to catch any misspellings or other writing errors.
Referral thank you note template
Use the following template as a guide when creating your referral thank you note:
[Recipient’s name], [recipient’s job title or department]
[Recipient’s address, if mailing]
[Your first and last name], [your job title]
Examples of referral thank you notes
Use these examples to help you write your own thank-you note:
Letter to an organization for a customer referral
Jeannie McValen, Manager
I am writing to express my appreciation for your customer referral to our business, Creative Office Solutions, LLC. I genuinely appreciate your confidence in our products, as your referral has enabled us to work with new companies.
As a token of thanks, I would like to extend a special offer for your organization’s future office supply needs. Please feel free to contact me regarding a business discount, or if you have questions. Thank you again.
Victoria Torrano, President
Creative Office Solutions, LLC
Letter to a company for a client referral
This example highlights how you might create a thank you note for a client referral:
October 29, 2019
Eliza Harrison, Product Development
Concord Technologies, Inc.
Dear Ms. Harrison,
I’d like to extend my thanks for your client referral. Your kind gesture has led to the initiation of a long-term project that we are currently developing for G and M Enterprises to implement financial data monitoring and reporting. Since the beginning of our business relationship, I have enjoyed Concord Tech’s financial documentation software, and being able to take on an additional client where my project teams can exercise their expertise with your products will be a great contribution to Heines Financial’s monthly revenue and developing reputation.
If there is any additional support or impact we at Heines Financial can extend to Concord Technologies, please feel free to get in touch with me to develop a continued relationship. Thank you again for your kind gesture, and I look forward to our future communications.
Heines Financial, Ltd.
Letter to an individual customer
December 14, 2019
Dear valued customer,
I would personally like to extend my gratitude for your kind referral and positive review. We at Urban Natural Foods cherish and support our customer relationships, and your thoughtful referral to our natural and organic food products helps us reach more customers like you who desire to nurture and support their health and wellness.
As a token of our appreciation, Urban Natural Foods would like to offer you a special discount on your next purchase at one of our stores or our online marketplace. Simply download and print this coupon, or save it to your device to scan at the register during checkout. Thank you again for your valued business.
Kerry Dubois, General Manager
Urban Natural Foods, Inc.
Referral thank you note FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about referral thank you notes:
How long should a “thank you for the referral” note be?
One or two brief paragraphs will suffice for a thank-you note. Thank the recipient within the first paragraph, followed by a few brief details regarding the impact of their referral. You can include a second paragraph if you have something else you would like to add, like providing a referral in return or encouraging future business.
Should I include a discount offer in my thank you note?
While it’s not necessary to do, including a discount or exclusive offer makes a referrer feel appreciated. Additionally, it encourages the recipient to continue using your products or services. This can result in future business transactions and the growth of your business’s market reach.
How is a referral program beneficial?
A customer referral program is an effective way to attract new customers, retain current customers and create additional revenue. For example, a service provider might offer a 10% monthly discount for clients who refer others to their services. Creating incentives through a referral program can also increase your market reach and help you acquire loyal, repeat clientele.
MIA FALLER
29 SEP 2017
CLASS
Writing a thank-you card can seem challenging no matter whom you are writing to. When addressing a priest, it is easy to feel even more anxious about what to write, as you want to show your gratitude without being disrespectful. Regardless of why you are writing, it is important to be honest and to keep your message concise.
Purchase or make a thank-you card and envelope. You can find thank-you cards in any card shop, major pharmacy, or grocery store. It is best to choose a card that is simple and has minimal writing inside the card to allow space for your own message.
Begin by addressing the priest formally by writing Father and the priest’s last name. For example, if your priest’s name is John Smith, you would address him as Father Smith. “Father” is an appropriate title for Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox priests. It is not appropriate to address the priest by his first name, unless you know he prefers to be addressed that way.
State immediately why you are writing. Express your appreciation for the recipient’s involvement in this matter. In an online forum post on writing thank-you notes, Leslie Harpold suggests “mentioning the past and alluding to the future.” This can be as simple as saying it was nice to see the priest at a recent event, and that you look forward to seeing the priest at an upcoming service.
Close your message by restating your appreciation and signing the note, preferably with your first and last name. You can write “Sincerely” and your name; however, it is best not to refer to God or offer divine blessings, as this may be insulting to the priest. You can personally deliver your note to the church or send your card through the mail.
Belinda McLeod
Writer
Published on: 8/26/2020
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The formal thank you note is not dead, and neither is finding the best gifts for doctors when you complete a rotation.
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Step 1: Use a Formal Tone
- Step 2: Address the Note to a Specific Person
- Step 3: Say, ‘Thank You’
- Step 4: Give Specific Examples of Things You Appreciated
- Step 5: Say ‘Thank You’ Again
- Step 6: Sign Each Note
- Step 7: Repeat this Process for Others Who Were Helpful
- Step 8: Send Out the Notes Quickly
- Sample After-Rotation Thank You Notes
It’s appropriate to write a thank-you note. It might land on your supervising physician’s desk and she’ll remember it years from now. Your name may be on her mind when she recommends someone for an award — or a job.
Move your healthcare books to the side. Go out and purchase a nice set of thank you cards, then follow these steps and write a post-rotation thank you note with some of these example paragraphs. These tips could also work if you complete a job shadowing experience as well.
Step 1: Use a Formal Tone
Treat each of the professionals you worked with as if they are the Chief of Staff at the Mayo Clinic. It doesn’t matter if your rotation was for a doctor in a rural community or a large city or even whether you were impressed with the doctor’s skills.
Address the note to Dr. Last Name. Use formal language and complete sentences. Don’t use abbreviations or emoticons.
Email or mail the thank you note. Don’t even think about texting a thank you note.
Step 2: Address the Note to a Specific Person
You may have worked under eight different doctors during a rotation. This means you should write eight separate emails or letters.
Address each email to a specific doctor. Do not send a group message or a single letter. In fact, you should vary each message just a bit.
Step 3: Say, ‘Thank You’
Don’t get so caught up in your note’s flowery language that you forget to say “Thank you.” Say thanks even if the doctor wasn’t particularly good or helpful.
You can learn from bad examples as easily as you can learn from good ones.
Step 4: Give Specific Examples of Things You Appreciated
Think of at least one interaction you had with the doctor that was particularly helpful. Without using the name of a patient, describe what that interaction meant to you and why.
You may want to discuss something the doctor did — it could also be something the doctor said to you that was particularly helpful.
Make sure the interaction is presented in a positive light, regardless of how much you enjoyed or didn’t enjoy the rotation.
Step 5: Say ‘Thank You’ Again
Before you sign off on the note, once again express appreciation to the doctor.
Step 6: Sign Each Note
Sign each note with your first and last name.
Step 7: Repeat This Process for Others Who Were Helpful
Don’t just send a thank you note to the doctors. Think about the other people in the office who were helpful.
Consider sending thank yous to nurses, receptionists, or anyone else you worked with on a daily basis.
Step 8: Send Out the Notes Quickly
Send thank-you notes within one week of finishing a rotation.
You’re a busy medical student, but if you get them out quickly, they won’t hang over your head. Do them as soon as you can.
Sample After-Rotation Thank You Notes
Here are some examples of paragraphs that you could include in your after-rotation notes. These words should be used as inspiration. Make sure your letter contains examples from your own experiences.
“Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to learn from your team. I especially enjoyed watching you as you interacted with your patients. You have an excellent bedside manner, and your patients all seem comfortable with you. Thanks again. I hope our paths cross in the future.”
“I appreciate the time we were able to spend together during my rotation. I learned a great deal about prenatal care from you. I also appreciate your honest, constructive criticism regarding my stitching skills. Thank you again for your assistance with my career.”
“Thank you for showing me the ropes when I started my rotation with Dr. Smith. It was helpful knowing that there was someone I could turn to for information about insurance and billing. These are items they don’t cover in medical school. Thank you again!”
“Thank you for introducing me to each patient and making me feel like I was a true member of the team.”
“Thank you for showing so much patience during my rotation. I know I asked you a lot of questions about your work with children, and I appreciate that you took so much time to explain your approach to me.”
“I’m writing to tell you how much I enjoyed my rotation with you and your staff. Everyone made me feel very welcome and comfortable. You are lucky to work with such friendly people.”
“Thank you so much for overseeing my last rotation. I appreciate how you always found interesting cases for me to study. I also appreciate how you made sure I understood every aspect of patient care.”
“This rotation experience was invaluable. I learned so much that will help me in my future career as a podiatrist. Thanks again.”
“Please share my gratitude with your excellent staff. I know that having me around was difficult at times, especially in such a busy practice. Your staff members were always available to answer questions and make sure I was receiving valuable information.”
“I look forward to seeing you again as I finish my last rotation. I hope our paths cross again someday.”
Making Connections as a Medical Student
It’s important to make connections when you’re a medical student. Positive interactions with those already in the field may prove beneficial to you someday. You never know when you will need a letter of recommendation or a referral.
As you interact with experienced professionals, stay humble. Don’t discount their techniques as old fashioned. Don’t teach them “new ways” of doing things. Instead, keep an open mind and learn as much as you can from the experience.
No matter where you are in your career, consider starting your end-of-life planning . As you spend time in the medical industry, you will quickly learn that people of all ages die — including people your own age.
Create your own end-of-life plan so those you love don’t struggle to make funeral decisions. Start on your plan today.
