Anyone who works with other people—whether those people are customers, employees, or vendors—knows that the quality of your relationships with those people can have a huge impact on your business. And, just like any friendship or romantic relationship, those connections need to be regularly tended and maintained to keep them healthy. Gestures like employee appreciation days or customer appreciation events may require some effort and planning, but they’re almost sure to be worth it in the long run. Below are some ideas for ways you can show appreciation in business relationships with clients, customers, and vendors:
- Tell Them – Everyone likes to have their hard work acknowledged. Even a simple “thank you” can make a huge impact on someone’s day. Consider taking it a step further and showing your employees you appreciate them with an email or handwritten note. You can use the same strategy for vendor and customer appreciation by including a card with their order or slipping it into a memo or invoice. Bonus points if you use fun stationery!
- Give a Gift – Gift-giving is an excellent way to make people feel valued and appreciated. Incorporate this into your workplace’s culture by keeping track of employee birthdays or other special occasions, or reward them for achieving an important goal or milestone. Similarly, you might offer customers a free gift if they spend a certain amount of money to show your appreciation for their support. You can also plan to send small gifts to all of your vendors or business partners around the holidays.
- Organize an Event – Most people love a reason to celebrate—even if that reason is made up! Show your employees you appreciate them by having lunch catered one day, or by closing the office early and taking them on a fun outing to a local museum. For customers or vendors, consider designating a customer appreciation day where you offer discounts on products and services or raffle off prizes such as goodie bags and tickets to local events like the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!
The Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum Foundation seeks to support the Museum, the sport of ballooning, and the city of Albuquerque through events and community outreach. Visit the Museum’s gift shop to find stationery for the perfect thank-you note, as well as unique art by local artists. Alternatively, you can give someone the gift of membership or make a donation in their name for a thoughtful show of appreciation.
