Thankuary

Everyone loves a countdown. Think New Year’s Eve, the start of old movies, and David Letterman’s Top Ten. The 4s compiles decades of experience in recognizing excellence into Advice 4U.  Ladies and gentlemen…The 4s. While most people like January because it signifies a new year and new beginnings, the reason I love January is because it’s National Thank You Month. That’s right, an entire month dedicated to my two favorite words! 4 Simple Ways to Say Thanks

1. Thank You Note. This is the go-to guy when it comes to gratitude. These little missives make a bigger splash when they are handwritten. Keep it short, sweet and heartfelt. If you write your note on fabulous stationery it may even make the office corkboard!
2. The Shout Out. When a colleague does something so great that you want to shout it from the rooftops, go ahead. Whether it’s during a company meeting or a party, public recognition makes both the ‘thankee’ and the ‘thanker’ feel fantastic.
3. The IOU. When someone saves the day with a solution so wonderful words cannot express your gratitude, bust out the IOU card. Showing how thankful you are by returning the favor works just as well, if not better, than telling them.
4. Personalized Gift. When a thank you note, shout out, or IOU just won’t cut it, this is the way to go. From key chains to watches, the choices for personalized gifts are endless.

Don’t let National Thank You Month be the only time you use these techniques. Saying thanks is the way to go 4 the entire year!