The slow death of bedside manners

February 15, 2010 | Posted in Blog, business networking, referrals |

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There is no doubt about it – we are in a relationship economy. We are networking to develop our spheres of influence, we are spending time getting to know others beyond hand-shakes, we are connecting on social networks… And why? Because we are ultimately hoping relationships will help us grow our businesses.

But one thing is becoming scarily common -people who receive referrals, whether for business or strategic introductions, are ignoring a vital component of this process – and that is to show appreciation for the effort that someone put in to help YOU. Even more, which is shocking, overlooking the importance of saying (minimally) THANK YOU for providing revenue-generating referrals. Even if they haven’t generated revenue, the need to show gratitude still exists!

Referrals are an act of generosity. They are not obligatory.

Think about the last 6 months… Have you received any introductions to potential alliances? What about referrals? On the flipside, have you gone out of your way to introduce people? Have you intentionally looked to create profitable referrals between others?

And most importantly, when’s the last time you showed someone appreciation?

Now would be a good time to get caught up on thanking those who impacted your success. Remember, late is better than never because it isn’t just the thought that counts but letting people KNOW you appreciated it that does.

Here are 7 ways you can show appreciation:

1 – Saying Thank you

2 – A small gift as a token of gratitude such as a giftcard to someone’s favorite coffee shop or a Blockbuster card for a movie rental.

3 – Greeting Card

4 – Giving a referral back

5 – Providing a set of movie tickets

6- Offering to take someone out for a meal (depending on the value or impact of the referral)

7 – Sending someone a cookie or fruit basket. (remember, you ARE trying to show appreciation!)

What other suggestions do you have to creatively show appreciation?

Do you have any personal stories about appreciation (or the lack thereof?) Please share!

Share and Enjoy:

http://twitter.com/carmenschneider Carmen

So true, Taryn! I work at a small law firm, so referrals are a huge component of our revenue. Things as simple as a personal, hand-written note go a long way. Golf games and poker nights have worked for us, too; what better way to say thank you than helping building the network of those you’re thankful for?
http://twitter.com/carmenschneider Carmen

So true, Taryn! I work at a small law firm, so referrals are a huge component of our revenue. Things as simple as a personal, hand-written note go a long way. Golf games and poker nights have worked for us, too; what better way to say thank you than helping building the network of those you’re thankful for?
Warren Whitlock

Thank you for the excellent suggestions. Seems no matter how many times I say thank you, there are a few more times I can think or
http:///bestsellerauthors.com Warren Whitlock

Thank you for the excellent suggestions. Seems no matter how many times I say thank you, there are a few more times I can think or
Dan Smigrod

Taryn,

Thank you for a great blog!

Dan
http:/blog.GREATtv.com Dan Smigrod

Taryn,

Thank you for a great blog!

Dan
http://www.ubervu.com/conversations/tarynp.com/2010/02/15/the-importance-of-saying-thank-you/ uberVU – social comments

Social comments and analytics for this post…

This post was mentioned on Twitter by tarynp: New post!: The death of bedside manners, esp for small business owners, freelancers + sales execs – http://budurl.com/4fmp...
http://www.indepthwraps.com/ Torri Westmoreland

Absolutely agree!

Handwritten (truly handwritten) cards are always my favorite too…though admittedly, my list of thank yous to write seems to grow and not diminish. We’ve also used Edible Arrangements (YUM!), and quirky gifts related to the client/referrer.
http://www.indepthwraps.com Torri Westmoreland

Absolutely agree!

Handwritten (truly handwritten) cards are always my favorite too…though admittedly, my list of thank yous to write seems to grow and not diminish. We’ve also used Edible Arrangements (YUM!), and quirky gifts related to the client/referrer.
http://www.cafephysique.com/ Amber O’Neal

I’m a huge believer of this, and I also I get so excited over the smallest acknowledgements from others. Your post is certainly timely and needed to be said.
http://www.cafephysique.com Amber O’Neal

I’m a huge believer of this, and I also I get so excited over the smallest acknowledgements from others. Your post is certainly timely and needed to be said.
http://dreamfollowers.com/ Lana – DreamFollowers.com

Taryn, you have an awesome blog here and this post is so timely. It is shocking how often people forget to even say thank you, not to mention everything else you’ve written about. Thanks for speeading this message!
http://dreamfollowers.com Lana – DreamFollowers.com

Taryn, you have an awesome blog here and this post is so timely. It is shocking how often people forget to even say thank you, not to mention everything else you’ve written about. Thanks for speeading this message!