When Founder and President of the Cincinnati Etiquette & Leadership Institute, LLC (CELI), Tiffany L. Adams worked in corporate America, she regularly witnessed missed opportunities for authenticity, self-awareness and self-restraint that prevented people from excelling at building solid interpersonal relationships. Observing these gaps and blunders inspired her to get certified, found her business and empower others with this timeless, critical skill set.
“There needed to be a resurgence in professionalism, power, polish and poise, but with a modern business model,” explains Adams. “High-caliber communication and seamlessly conducting yourself with competency, composure and credibility elevates your game both professionally and personally.”
The holiday season is the perfect time to focus on the excellent communication and relationship-building skills that are the basis for success in business and strong community connections.
“When someone goes the extra mile to make you feel special, that’s the time to celebrate their generosity of time and thought with a lovely written gesture,” Adams advises. “Be swift in expressing your gratitude with specificity, warmth and enthusiasm.”
Top 5 Thank You Etiquette Tips
Here is Adams’ guide to express gratitude that will set you apart with high distinction.
- Email/Text or handwritten note? Thank you emails are perfectly acceptable in business, but handwritten notes convey a higher standard. A handwritten note is rare and can be cherished forever, whereas email and text thank yous are commonplace and deletable. Consider the importance of high-quality, personalized stationery. Quality paper reflects professionalism and attention to detail, while enhancing the tactile experience, making your recipient feel valued.
- Begin with a proper salutation: The time-honored, “Dear Mr. Smith,” always impresses. Avoid using “Hey” and never refer to an adult by their first name unless they have permitted you to do so more than once.
- Be specific with your gratitude: Describe the gift you were given in detail. If it's a monetary gift, avoid saying the dollar amount and instead mention how much you appreciated their generosity.
- Explain why you liked the gift and how you will use it: Share how their gift made you feel in your heart. There’s a big difference between saying, “Thanks for the great frame,” versus “Thank you for the lovely silver frame that will be a nice reminder of you each day in our kitchen.”
Finish strong with an appropriate closing: Avoid signing off with “Thanks.” Instead, use “With Appreciation,” “Sincerely” or “Gratefully Yours.” Be prompt in sending the note within three days for emails, one week for business and two weeks for social occasions. Minimize sending thank-you notes via text, which can be convenient but also perceived as rushed.