Tero^® International, Inc.
Experts in the design and facilitation of interpersonal skills training programs

The Thank You Challenge--Help us "Put it in Writing"

According to a recent national communications study conducted by Sprint, 80% of people feel that other people are "less courteous today than five years ago." Technology - specifically email and cell phones - are largely the root of this discontent.  However, we don't think people are less courteous - it's just that we're all used to communicating in a way that's perceived as most convenient.  And too often, that leaves pen and paper in the dust.

The ability for a person to connect with another person is what sets the stage for optimal business success.  Take a moment to think about the last time you received a handwritten thank you note in the mail.  How did it stand out from the bills, coupons, and junk?  Do you remember who sent it?

At Tero^®, we're committed to interpersonal skills and civility.  One of the most essential of those skills is to thank a person when they deserve a sincere thank you.  Did you know that over a dozen times a day we have the opportunity to thank a person?  From the person who made your bed at the hotel to the person who made you laugh harder than you have in a month.  A well-deserved thank you is not always overt, and it's rarely provided in a form as memorable as a handwritten note.

The Challenge

We're on a mission to canvas the markets we serve with so many handwritten thank you notes that people notice, and then send handwritten thank you notes, too.  What better time to send the "write" message than now, at this time of Thanksgiving?  From today until the end of November, we challenge you to send as many handwritten thank you notes as you can. 

To help you get started, email us at training@tero.com for your complimentary set of note cards.  Just write "thank you notes" in the subject line and include your mailing address in the body of the email.

Why Should I Do This?

Forget every rule you've heard about sending a note in 24 or 48 hours.  Send a note today to the person who had you over for dinner six months ago, to the person who sold you your beloved car two weeks ago, or to your son and daughter for simply being who they are.  There are no limits to a handwritten thank you note, and no better way to communicate your gratitude with sincerity.

And, don't forget - this is all about the importance of courtesy and civility.  Our coursework drives home the aspects and importance of business ethics and etiquette.

Give thanks - not just during Thanksgiving - but every time someone deserves it.

And, my friends, that's a lot.  Please help us encourage a culture of civility and gratitude.
For your help, we thank you.

Testimonies/Creative Thank You Experiences

We invite you to provide us a report as to your experience with this challenge.  Let us know about the most memorable thank you note you've sent or received.  Feel welcome to get creative--cards are fantastic, and so are baskets, billboards and balloons!  The essence of it is the "thank you".

Resources and Tips

For suggestions, help, or ideas for your thank you notes, read on. 
Source:  On a Personal Note by Angela Ensminger & Keely Chace, 2005 Hallmark Licensing, Inc.

6 parts of a Gratitude Thank You note:
1. Greet the Recipient
2. Express Your Gratitude
3. Elaborate
4. Compliment & Look Ahead
5. Restate Your Gratitude
6. Give Your Regards

6 parts of a Congratulatory Thank You note:
1. Greet the Recipient
2. Express Your Congratulations
3. React to the News
4. Compliment & Look Ahead
5. Restate Your Congratulations
6. Give Your Regards

6 parts of a note for Important Days:
1. Greet the Recipient
2. Mention the Day
3. Elaborate
4. Build the Relationship & Look Ahead
5. Summarize
6. Give Your Regards

6 parts of a Love note:
1. Greet Your Love
2. Tell Them Why You're Writing
3. Affirm Them
4. Nurture Your Connection
5. Reiterate Why You're Writing
6. Give Your Loving Regards

6 parts of an Apology & Reconnection note:
1. Greet the Recipient
2. Apologize or State Desire to Reconnect
3. Elaborate
4. Rebuild the Relationship & Look Ahead
5. Restate Apology or Desire to Reconnect
6. Give Your Regards

6 parts of a Comfort & Cheer note:
1. Greet the Recipient
2. Tell Why You're Writing
3. Elaborate
4. Build the Relationship & Offer Support
5. Restate Caring
6. Give Your Regards

6 parts of a Sympathy note:
1. Greet the Recipient
2. Express Your Sympathy
3. Elaborate
4. Build the Relationship & Offer Support
5. Restate Sympathy
6. Give Your Regards

6 parts of a Business note:
1. Greet the Recipient
2. State Why You're Writing
3. Elaborate
4. Build the Relationship & Look Ahead
5. Restate the Reason for Writing
6. Give Your Regards

Great words for: