As I have done many times before, I decided to carve out that extra hour of my free time to help expedite a marketing project. It has been delayed for 4 months due to unrealistic planning and excessive promises.
I tapped into all hidden reserves and pushed the processor to its limits. It was overheating a bit, but you know, I could handle it. One hour turned into almost 4 hours, practically the entire afternoon.
I finished the work, sent it by email, and forgot about it. There’s a good feeling knowing you’ve helped resolve a situation for someone. You head off to spend the last hour of the day on your own activities. Well deserved.
Marketing memory kicks in
I’m enjoying lunch almost at the same spot as a few days ago, searching through the salad for the best pieces. The association was quick, and my thoughts drift to that project. Even before I get the fork to my mouth, I’m struck by that familiar feeling: "Damn! They don’t give a s*** that I spent almost the entire afternoon on their project."
You know the feeling, right? You put in the effort, dedicate your free time to them, risk family peace and harmony, the development of your child. Instead of spending the afternoon in nature, you gave it to them.
And what follows? Nothing. A void. Niente. Nada.
Pričakujete: "Spoštovani g. Vrban, najlepša hvala za opravljeno delo.".
Or at least: "Oh, this is what we needed."
Maybe even: "A"
Actually, it would be interesting already: "It's nonsense, why did you waste your time?"
Something to assure you that your afternoon didn’t go up in smoke. That someone at least opened that email and realized it wasn’t useful. Even though you know it’s actually better than they expected.
Where is the cause of such poor marketing?
I asked some of them what the cause is. Of course, not directly. Indirectly, because you don't want to ask anyone directly: "Why don't you even thank me?"
You know the answers: "A lot of work, a flood of emails, lack of time..."
Hence the instructions follow.
It's actually easy (and useful for your marketing) to say thank you:
Thank you.
It takes about 15 seconds via electronic channels if we type slowly.Three quarters of a second if we meet a person.
Why don't some people use thanks for their marketing?
Simply because they do not respect the person who helped them.
Are you one of them? There is a solution: consider if there is any reason you might respect that person. Once you find a reason, you’ll be able to manage that simple word above.
If you don’t find a reason:
- Did a criminal or otherwise very unpleasant person help you? That’s understandable. But they still helped you.
- Reflect on yourself (hmm... or maybe not).
Did you find the reason? Use it for your marketing success.
A thank you will motivate that person to do something excellent for you again. It shows that you respect their work. It influences your future interactions.
Maybe even that person will recommend your company to others?
Always thank you?
A thank you is not appropriate when:
- the person has harmed you
- the person did something unacceptable while helping you
Otherwise, a thank you is beneficial for your marketing and for your relationships with stakeholders.
Thanks for anything?
Did someone help you? Personally? Digitally? By email? If so, thank them.
Did you pay for the help?
Thank them. Even if you paid for the service or product, the person put in their effort. It might have been minimal, but it was still there.
It will be beneficial for your marketing, your success, and even your well-being.
Do I really benefit from the thank you?
You get:
- my greater motivation to help resolve issues next time
- my increased willingness to respond to emails when I receive them
- the possibility to recommend services and products to others
- the opportunity to do something for you for free in my free time
- a better reputation for the company you work for
When is it really unnecessary to say thank you?
Orders through online stores are processed 99% by software. A thank you won’t benefit anyone on the other side, unless you really make an effort and write a very special thank you letter that brightens someone’s day if they happen to read it.
Let's teach the importance of expressing gratitude for marketing success
This is something that should ideally be taught by parents or guardians from an early age. Unfortunately, more and more people seem to have forgotten it. If you know anyone, share this post. Maybe you’ll change someone’s day.
Thank you for reading this far. :)
Thanks to the author of the cover image of this post
Photo by Giftpundits.com from Pexels
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