When to Send a “Thank You!” E-mail

I get on average of over 500 e-mails each day from my various sites and activities. Quite a few are folks asking for my help, advice or direction.

Probably several times each week I get e-mail about all the ‘silly Thank You e-mails” folks get and how to make them stop. Who would have thought that one would complain about being thanked! Well it’s happening — more often than you may think.

As I’ve written before, I always welcome “silly Thank You e-mails.” They make me smile and let me know that my time and response was appreciated. Unfortunately, for all the questions asked and thoughtful responses given, rare are the Thank Yous to follow.

So when do you send a “Thank You!” e-mail?

When you send an e-mail asking questions that require the person on the other side to stop what they are doing and provide you the answers you seek. A nice “I appreciate your advice — thank you!” will ensure that next time you ask questions, they too will be answered.
When you send an e-mail asking someone to do something for you that maybe you don’t want to spend the time figuring out yourself. If you don’t want to take the time and the person on the other side does so on your behalf a quick “Thank so much for taking the time to help me out!” is simply the right thing to do.
If you are just thrilled with an e-mail, ezine or newsletter you receive and want to let the other side know their efforts are appreciated a quick “Thank You!” is all it takes to let them know to keep plugging away.
If you are frustrated or confused about a process or some information you received and send a curt, blunt or demanding request for assistance — you’d better take the time to thank the person on the other side if you don’t want them to cringe next time they see your name in their inbox!
Anytime, anywhere that another onliner takes the time, makes the time to help, cajole, humor or assist is the time to send a “Thank You!” e-mail.

Well, I think I’ve covered it all. It is a sad commentary on how few take the time to show gratitude for those who help them out. Those are probably the very same folks who complain about the “incessant thank-youers” out there!

To those who thank me on a regular basis; those who enjoy my tips, my Blog or my free courtesy services — don’t worry about annoying me. You always put a smile on my face and let me know my efforts on the thankless job of promoting proper E-mail Etiquette and in particular Business E-mail Etiquette here on this site are worth every key stroke.

And for that, I Thank You!

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