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18 Replies Last post: Apr 3, 2008 10:32 PM by intechspecial

How do I say Thank-you

Apr 2, 2008 7:00 AM

MYOB08 46 posts since
Feb 16, 2008

An associate and I refer work to each other. Recently he has referred a larger than normal project my way. How should I thank him? Money, note, gift voucher, present, take him out to coffee, subscription to magazine?

What would you like?

The profit margin to myself is about $1000 ~ not huge ~ but appreciated.

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LUCKIEST 7,912 posts since
Aug 6, 2007

1. Re: How do I say Thank-you Apr 2, 2008 7:55 AM

How do I say Thank-you
You said it ALL. Any of the ones you listed except MONEY.
An associate and I refer work to each other. You are not his boss and he is not your.
Hopefully you will refer a project or two his way.
Yes, Thank him. Turn it around. What would like.
A note, gift voucher, present, taken out to coffee, subscription to magazine.
You also will be starting a TRADITION. You helped me, I am rewarding you.
Next time I help you, I want a reward.
LUCKIEST

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puzzleman 293 posts since
Oct 11, 2007

2. Re: How do I say Thank-you Apr 2, 2008 8:54 AM

What would you expect from your associate if the situation were reversed? That is what i would do.

Jim

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MYOB08 46 posts since
Feb 16, 2008

3. Re: How do I say Thank-you Apr 2, 2008 8:59 AM

in response to: puzzleman

What a great forum...you have both added such a good perspective to my thoughts. If I give him a client - and he does a good job there, and it all goes well, I don't expect a gift from him, or money. I feel I have won, in that I have recomended him. I do however have the sour taste of not being appreciated when I have passed work (to others).

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LogoMotives 10 posts since
Mar 27, 2008

4. Re: How do I say Thank-you Apr 2, 2008 9:46 AM

in response to: MYOB08

Whenever I get a referral, or someone does something else nice for me or my business (a reporter interviews me, an editor/writer sends me a complimentary copy of a book or magazine article, a vendor goes above and beyond the call of duty, etc.), I will always send a handwritten "thank you" note immediately. If something more evloves out of the situation I will send the individual a gift card to a bookstore or restaurant, invite them to lunch or coffee, of find some other small appropriate gift to send their way. It's not expected, nor would I expect the same, but it's always appreciated.

Jeff Fisher | Engineer of Creative Identity | Jeff Fisher LogoMotives

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Y Golf 19 posts since
Jan 30, 2008

5. Re: How do I say Thank-you Apr 2, 2008 1:25 PM

Hello MYOB08. I assume you know a little about your coworker. Try to think of something that he enjoys and make the thank you personal. If he enjoys coffee a gift card or pound of his favorite coffee. If he speaks of his family a lot maybe a gift card to a movie theatre so the family can enjoy together. If he enjoys golf maybe some personalized golf balls that say thank you from MYOB08. If you noticed that he treats himself once a month to a favorite lunch may offer to pay for it next month. Something personal that the associate will remember and he will appreciate that you notice some of his personal aspects. But I think the most important Thank You would be a follow up on the progress of the referred client in 3 or 6 months. Hand written of course:)
YGolf
www.greatgolfdialogue.blogspot.com

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designer 329 posts since
Feb 28, 2008

6. Re: How do I say Thank-you Apr 2, 2008 11:02 AM

The most important thing is to write it down and say THANK YOU on a notecard. If you don't shoot an email or say it, it can really leave a bad taste in someone's mouth. Next, find out (if you can) what really thrills him. Maybe tickets to NASCAR or his favorite baseball team. Maybe a pass at an amusement park or zoo. Tickets for a hot show in town. I don't thnk lunch cuts it. Lunch is a normal part of life every day, unless it's truly fancy and special. It's too bad the "he" was not a "she" and then I could recommend one of my handcrafted necklaces in beautiful packaging that all the stars in Hollywood are wearing.

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dublincpa 165 posts since
Jan 29, 2008

7. Re: How do I say Thank-you Apr 2, 2008 11:08 AM

in response to: LogoMotives

In my business, we get a lot of referrals back and forth. Usually, the highest form of gratitude is to make the person look good. If I send someone to an attorney or another CPA, I just want the person to be satisfied. I am very careful in this respect about accepting referrals as well. The last thing I want to do is imperil someone else's relationship with a client.

In addition, thank you notes are great. If you get a chance to return the favor that is also nice. Unless you are looking to establish an arrangement where referrals are individually compensated, I would stick to thank you notes and maybe a birthday or holiday gift here or there.

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designer 329 posts since
Feb 28, 2008

8. Re: How do I say Thank-you Apr 2, 2008 11:26 AM

in response to: puzzleman

This is really good! I've heard it said that when people give gifts....they are actually giving things that they would actually like to receive. Probably doesn't work 100%, but in many cases.

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Lighthouse24 2,396 posts since
Oct 10, 2007

9. Re: How do I say Thank-you Apr 2, 2008 2:03 PM

I agree with several other replies -- a handwritten thank you note (today), and then look for an opportunity over the next few months to do something equally thoughtful, helpful, or beneficial for your associate in return.

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Iwrite 1,093 posts since
Dec 29, 2007

10. Re: How do I say Thank-you Apr 2, 2008 2:06 PM

I think Luckiest hit the nail on the head. You at least do what you would like for someone to do for you but never money. I try to give people something I know reflects an interest. I got a lead from a friend who is learning to play the guitar, so I gave him some really nice picks. Once, a person I gave a lead to bought me a comic book, I collect them. I have never forgotten that.

You get the picture.

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AppleGraphics 66 posts since
Mar 1, 2008

11. Re: How do I say Thank-you Apr 2, 2008 10:16 PM

As many people have already stated I would not give money. Bestowing some type of gift may be a nice gesture but the most important thing is to do a great job on the project you received. This will build your associates standing with the client and help build their business relationship, something every business person wants.

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intechspecial 1,455 posts since
Jan 6, 2008

12. Re: How do I say Thank-you Apr 3, 2008 12:54 AM

When anyone does something that helps my company to bring in profit, I try my best to return the favor.

I have found some in business will take advantage of someones good nature.

I have reffered several clients that were needing services outside my scope of abilities to other companies.

Unfortunately they were not as greatful as you, and thought nothing of it. One of the clients I reffered has brought the business thousands upon thousands of dollars.

I did ask for a referral fee, or a return referral. No payment, no referral in return, not so much as a thank you email. Rest assured my next referral will not go to them.

I do not believe a stipen is appropriate unless it was/is requested, but this might be a little unprofessional. Unprofessional if in the form of a cash allotment. There are other ways to pay back financially, without giving money to them.

How is this company doing on its marketing budget? Can your business help them reach thier market?

If so this might be the best thank you any business good ask for.

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MYOB08 46 posts since
Feb 16, 2008

13. Re: How do I say Thank-you Apr 3, 2008 6:21 AM

in response to: intechspecial

Thanks for all the input - I ended up writing a card & including a scratchie in it. Thanks for all the advice

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designer 329 posts since
Feb 28, 2008

14. Re: How do I say Thank-you Apr 3, 2008 10:07 AM

What is a scratchie?

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How do I say Thank-you

Apr 2, 2008 7:00 AM

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