5 People You Should Thank Every Holiday Season

As the year comes to a close, it’s important to take a moment and think of all the various people you interact with on a daily, weekly, monthly basis. The baristas at your favorite coffee shop, your mechanic, perhaps even a mentor or boss. While it’s easy to remember your family and close friends when you’re thinking about gifts, it can be easy to forget others who also deserve special attention. As you make your giving list, here are 5 people you should thank this, and every, holiday season.

1. Team members

Depending on the size of your business, this could range from zero to hundreds. The good news is there are options for both categories.

In the case of a smaller number, you have the ability to put together a personal, thoughtful thank-you. This could be as simple as a personalized, handwritten note highlighting their contributions and hard work, or as complex as a customized gift box for each team member.

If you have a very large team, sending individual emails is likely not feasible. Instead, send a mass email to everyone and offer a fun surprise like a bonus day off or a company-sponsored coffee and bagel buffet. That way, even though you can’t personally thank every person, you can be sure each person feels appreciated.

2. Administrative staff

Administrative staff are often who we rely on the most and yet do not always make the list of people you should thank. This applies to both administrative staff within your company and those who don’t work for you but that you interact with on a regular basis.

This is everyone who answers the phones, orders lunches, routes paperwork, gets you on the schedules of the people you need to meet, and executes all the other ad hoc tasks that you depend on.

For example, an office manager who helps with everything from organizing company-wide events to fielding office maintenance requests. Send that person a handwritten note and include a gift card to a local coffee shop, or anywhere else you think they might enjoy. Ideally, nothing work-related, (put down that stapler) but something just for them to enjoy.

3. Consultants and Contractors

It may not seem completely obvious that consultants are on the list of people you should thank, but strengthening solid professional relationships is always a good idea.

For many small business owners, hiring full-time staff is not financially possible. Therefore, they often turn to consultants or freelance professionals. This includes anyone who helps with your marketing, your accounting, your operations, etc. on a contract basis.

You’re likely not the only client that contractor works with, but by sending a thank you gift, you have a chance to both make yourself stand out and share gratitude.

As with every other group, a personal note thanking them for their time and effort is always a great idea. If you’re really thrilled with their work, you can offer something that doesn’t cost you a penny but is quite beneficial for their business– a personal referral.

Here’s an example of this type of note:

Hi {consultant’s name},

As I look back on the last year and how my business has evolved and grown, I wanted to send a note to say thank you. From {a specific project, goal, etc.} to {a specific project, goal, etc.}, having your expertise and knowledge has been incredibly valuable.

I have and will continue to recommend your services to other companies and business owners. In fact, if I can provide a review or recommendation for you, I would be delighted to do so.

Wishing you a relaxing holiday season!
Sincerely,
{your name}

4. Your Family’s Extended Support Network

“It takes a village” is a phrase that has stuck around for good reason. It’s pretty impossible to go through life without any support, especially if you’re raising kids. Sure, we can all name one or two people who seem more like superheroes, those keeping all the plates spinning while keeping the lights on. Yet even if you are that superhero person, there’s a good chance you’ve got at least a couple people you should thank that are helping you keep it all together.

Maybe there is a certain educator at your child’s school who really stands out, or a neighbor who often drops by baked goods. Perhaps it’s a long-distance friend who manages to regularly see how you’re doing no matter how far away you may live.

Each of these examples above deserves a different response, so let’s use the teacher at your child’s school as our example. A genuine hand-written note to a special teacher or coach just might make their week. Be sure to include specific ways that they support your child or positively influence them. It’s inexpensive but heartfelt and impactful.

Another step is to volunteer your time at a school event or donate supplies or other resources needed. Give your time and effort when and where you can.

5. Customers & Clients

What would your business be without customers? Well, it’s safe to say it wouldn’t exist! It may seem obvious that you should thank your customers, but you’d be surprised how many small businesses overlook it.

We’ve written a couple of great posts on client gift ideas and customer appreciation suggestions that you can check out here. From a housewarming gift from a real estate agent to a shout-out on social media, there are countless ways to show how you are thankful.

You may have the best intentions to leave a treat from your favorite local bakery, but time slips away. That’s okay, it happens to all of us. However, you always have time to include your customer’s first name in a personalized note to them. Even an email or e-card can make customers feel appreciated, and it keeps your name top of mind in case they need your services later. (OutboundEngine makes this easy by sending a professionally designed holiday e-card for our customers every year.)

The most important aspect to keep in mind for these gifts is to make them as personal as you can, when you can (without driving yourself crazy or going broke) and to always be genuine.

Make time for the people you should thank.

Saying thank you at the end of the year should be a cherry on top of year-round customer service. It won’t work as a band-aid to fix poor communication during the rest of the year. In addition to an appropriate seasonal gift, every small business owner should be regularly keeping in touch with their network by sending emails and keeping their social media accounts active. These steps are important to build brand awareness and improve customer retention, but are also time-consuming.

That’s where OutboundEngine can help. Schedule a free demo today to see how OutboundEngine can give you more time to focus on what your customers need instead of worrying about your marketing strategy.