You Must Remember This; A 'Thanks' is just a 'Thanks'...

 A SIIIIIGH is just a sigh...

(Isn't it *impossible* to stop singing that song?)

Let's talk THANK YOU CARDS! You're all sending them when appropriate, right? After being called in for someone, after a great workshop, after your rep. is particularly awesome, after finishing a project...etc.

Okay. So let's review the standard thank-you message: 

"Dear So-and-So,

Thanks so much for that great _____, it was so lovely to meet you. What an excellent actor workout! Would love to come in for you again--maybe next time for [insert project here]! Hope to hear from you soon.  

Love and Snuggles, YOUR NAME."

That's good, right? Nnnnnnnope. But not because of your way-too-intimate signoff. Here's why:

WHAT ARE YOU REALLY SAYING? Are you THANKING them, or are you begging them to call you back in again? See, you can't do both.

Imagine if you got a note from a friend: 

"Heyyyyy girl! So great to have coffee with you last week. It was so nice catching up with you, and you look amazing. [Hey, we're feeling good, right? We all want to be loved and appreciated, and Friendy-friend here is doing that. YAY! Warm fuzzies!]

By the way, when you mentioned your brother's a mechanic, I just realized I needed a quick oil change--any way that you can work something out with him for me? Thanxxxxxx LOL!"

Doesn't that last part just HURT YOUR FEELINGS? (I totally just hurt my own feelings by typing it.) 

See, now you don't know if your friend was just buttering you up for a favor, or if those were 2 legitimate thoughts combined.

Why wouldn't a director or CD feel the same way? You DON'T want to dilute what I KNOW is a legitimate, heartfelt expression of gratitude by asking for a favor at the end. You can always ask for favors, but keep it Kosher--don't mix the two. And just imagine the swell of happiness that YOU bring them by just sharing your feelings!

Let's re-write that Thank-You, shall we?

"Dear So-and-So,

Thanks so much for that great ______, it was so lovely to finally meet you. I've always heard that you were a generous/creative/awesome XYZ, and it was so true. I loved your thoughtful direction/specific feedback/funky scarf, and it really made me feel comfortable in the room. Thank you again for a truly wonderful _______!

 

Love & Snuggles, YOUR NAME."

WAYYYYYYYYYYYYY better, yes?! This is how ANYONE wants to be thanked. With no strings attached. That doesn't mean you can't ask for a favor--you can! We all do, and they're not BAD. You just want to make that a seperate outreach. :)

Aahhhhhhh. Doesn't it feel great to be off the hook, never having to worry about making tactful requests in a thank-you note again?

The fundamental things apply...as tiiiiimes gooooes by....!

Ahoy, Mateys!

Jen

Comments

[Becca]

From now on, I'm ending every letter I ever write with "love and snuggles". No Exceptions.

Love and Snuggles,
Becca :)

[Jen]

I ENTIRELY ENDORSE THAT PROPOSAL! <3