Remembering and then appreciating life’s milestones and changes is a fundamental sign of respect towards those we interact with throughout our business life. I have faced the sad reality of the death of a valued client – too young and too soon for an accomplished businesswoman with so much still to contribute. This sad event…
Remembering and then appreciating life’s milestones and changes is a fundamental sign of respect towards those we interact with throughout our business life.
I have faced the sad reality of the death of a valued client – too young and too soon for an accomplished businesswoman with so much still to contribute. This sad event prompted me to consider how best to acknowledge and express the range of emotions that accompany the many and varied transitions in the lives of those we do business with – from weddings to births, to significant milestones, retirement, and to the ultimate departure from this world.
Here are some tips to consider:
Do:
Don’t:
John Buttling, Australian author of “Winning Hearts & Minds with Words”, offers the following ideas for words of condolence to write on sympathy cards, notes or emails.
Sorry.
We’re so sorry.
Our thoughts are with you.
With our deepest sympathy for your loss.
With our condolences on this sad occasion.
We were shocked and saddened to learn the news.
Take heart from the many happy times you shared together.
The pain you feel now will gradually dim, but never the many memories.
My business partner and I hand-write every one of our Christmas cards, with a personalised message. We start in October and try to do a handful of cards each week. Yes, it is laborious, yet it fundamentally embodies our values and attitude towards our clients. This may not be practical in all business situations – look for other ways to acknowledge the valued relationship with your customers, clients, staff, partners and suppliers. Writing personalised messages can make all the difference between a good reaction and a great reaction.