In the United States, November is a month of giving thanks, particularly on Thanksgiving Day, and giving thanks should extend to your business, too. No matter where you live or do business, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your business struggles over the past year and recognize the people who helped you overcome those struggles.
Following are six groups of people who have undoubtedly helped you and your business be more successful this year. Take the time to show your appreciation!
1. Anyone and Everyone
Think about everyone you’ve come into contact with this year. Anyone could give you a simple idea or a creative solution that may have helped you break through obstacles so your business could thrive. Be sure to recognize them.
2. Employees
Look within your organization for employees who went above and beyond their roles and responsibilities to fix problems or accept challenges. Don’t let their efforts go unnoticed!
3. Vendors
Which vendors or business partners went the extra mile to meet your needs this year? Strengthen your relationship with them by showing you appreciate the hard work they put in to ensure your business succeeded.
4. Loyal Customers
Which customers were most loyal to your business this year? Thank them for their loyalty, and be sure to give them a special discount or offer to reward their loyalty.
5. Brand Advocates
Which customers (and non-customers) were your most vocal brand advocates this year? Who fueled word-of-mouth marketing by talking about your brand, products, and business online and/or offline? Whether a vocal brand advocate is an existing customer or a blogger who wrote a review about your products that spread across social media and the web, you should take the time to acknowledge their positive words.
6. Journalists, Publishers, and Members of the Media
Did a journalist, publisher, or other member of the media give your business some extra publicity this year by mentioning your brand, products, or business in a news article, blog post, video, or other publication? Thanking them not only acknowledges their efforts but also helps to strengthen your relationship with them, which could turn into additional publicity in the future.
Who would you add to this list of people whom business owners should recognize? Leave a comment below and share your ideas.
This post is sponsored by Spark BusinessSM from Capital One® and is the seventh post in a series of eight.
Susan Gunelius
Susan Gunelius is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Women on Business. She is a 30-year veteran of the marketing field and has authored a dozen books about marketing, branding, and social media, including the highly popular Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing, 30-Minute Social Media Marketing, Content Marketing for Dummies, Blogging All-in-One for Dummies and Kick-ass Copywriting in 10 Easy Steps. Susan’s marketing-related content can be found on Entrepreneur.com, Forbes.com, MSNBC.com, BusinessWeek.com, and more. Susan is President & CEO of KeySplash Creative, Inc., a marketing communications company. She has worked in corporate marketing roles and through client relationships with AT&T, HSBC, Citibank, Intuit, The New York Times, Cox Communications, and many more large and small companies around the world. Susan also speaks about marketing, branding and social media at events around the world and is frequently interviewed by television, online, radio, and print media organizations about these topics. She holds an MBA in Management and Strategy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and is a Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC).
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Thanks, it’s good to remember what we are thankful for! I am still in the struggle hoping me make my business work. Hopeful one day I be able to thank some people for making it a reality!
Thanks Sincerely,
Kyle Rice.