KAMLOOPS – As we head into the final month of 2015, it will be easy to cast our eyes solely on the 2016 calendar as we look to implement new plans, make new connections and grow our businesses. Doing so – strategically planning for the year ahead – is exceptionally important (those who know the Kamloops Chamber know we LOVE our strategic planning!).
As John Lennon famously said, “how can we go forward when we don’t know which way we’re facing?” And yet, it is just as important to understand where we have come from and what has helped to get us to where we are now.
Looking back on your successes over the past year, what factors have helped you mark your achievements? Who has assisted you along the way and helped make your accomplishments possible? For many of us, our staff and our clients will be primary candidates when we think about this “whom”.
Our staff care for our clients, bring new ideas to the table and enable our businesses to run on a day to day basis. Our clients, believing in us, and the service we provide, support us with their business. Without our staff and our clients, we would likely have failed to achieve all we have over the past year.
In recognizing this then, we encourage you to look back on the past year, and spend some time thanking those who have helped you achieve success this past year, before you get too focused on the New Year. Doing so encourages your supporters to continue with you into the next year, building on past successes and establishing new ones.
Not sure how to do so? Borrowed from Kara Ohngren Prior, part time editor at YoungEntrepreneur, here are five suggestions to get you started:
- Be Specific – A focused “thank you” will be more meaningful and thus increase employees’ motivation and productivity. A recent poll by TJinsite, a division of www.TimeJobs.com, found that more than 35 percent of respondents consider lack of recognition of their work the biggest hindrance to productivity.
- Make it Personal – Connecting your appreciation with the recipient’s personal life can make your message more resonant.
- Go Old School – When was the last time you received a handwritten thank-you note? In the era of Facebook and text messaging, it’s likely been quite some time. Don’t underestimate the impact of sending a note through snail mail. Taking the time to write a thoughtful note indicates a deeper level of appreciation than simply dashing off a short email or text. The extra effort will not go unnoticed.
- Be Authentic – If you don’t mean it, don’t say it. Your customers and employees will know right away if a “thank you” is genuine or not. Similarly, don’t dole out gratitude when it’s not deserved. If you go around thanking everyone for every tiny thing, it won’t mean much when it’s actually warranted.
- Add Some Real Value – Sometimes words aren’t enough. If your customers and staff feel that you go out of your way to reward them, they’re more likely to choose you over your less-appreciative competition.
Still struggling? Why not bring your staff and clients to our Corporate Christmas Luncheon on December 11th! There will be fantastic food, games, prizes, entertainment and, of course, Santa!
Friday, December 11th from 12:00PM – 2:00PM at the Hotel540 – 540 Victoria Street
Members – $50 + GST and Future Members – $70 + GST
R.S.V.P. by December 5th – www.kamloopschamber.ca or 250.372.7722
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2016 membership renewals are coming to an inbox near you! The first round of invoices is being emailed out soon; payment is due December 31st.
Not yet a Kamloops Chamber member? We would love to chat with you about who we are, what we do, and how we can help you build your business! Connect with us today! membership@kamloopschamber.ca | 250.372.7722
– Deb McClelland is the executive director of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached email at deb@kamloopschamber.ca.