This article is all about sending “appreciation greeting cards” to people you care about.
A survey conducted by George Mason University in the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ‘90s as well, asked workers, “What motivates you?” The results did not vary throughout the 40 or 50 year period of time.
The answer seems to be the same whether you are a janitor, secretary, the UPS driver, a pastor, clerk, manager, boss, a stay-at-home Mom, a one person home-based business owner, or a volunteer.
The number one answer, decade after decade, to what motivates people is “Appreciation of work.”
You can tell your family members, friends, colleagues, customers how much you appreciate them and value their contribution to your life or business any day of the week, any day of the year. No special occasion is necessary.
In fact, small surprises and tokens of your appreciation spread throughout the year help the people you care about feel valued all year long.
13 ways to use “appreciation greeting cards”
to show how much you care. . .
[NOTE: I've included some example appreciation greeting cards I've sent to help you see the potential of sending card to show appreciation.]
Say, “You Make a Difference!” Let someone you care about know that you notice that they make a difference – not for what they do, but for who they are as a person.
Send cards which ask, “How Did It Go?” This need not be reserved for formal debriefing sessions. The question, when given with sincerity and a listening ear is a remarkable way to show appreciation.
Send cards asking about their family, their hobby, their weekend or a special event they attended. Your genuine interest – as opposed to being nosey – causes people to feel valued and cared about.
Ask, “Could You Help Me?” The paradox often works well! Sending a card asking for help can show you are confident in the person’s abilities.
Almost everyone appreciates food. Send small gifts of food with your appreciation greeting cards or occasionally take someone to lunch or out for coffee on their birthday, a special occasion, or for no reason at all.
Ask, “What Do You Think?” Everyone you care about in your life has ideas that can make a positive difference in your life and the work you do. Asking what they think indicates your belief and confidence that they care and have what it takes to make a difference.
Send a card saying “You can do it!” when someone is involved in a special project or trying to accomplish a task or a goal. Your encouragement shows appreciation for their effort.
Politeness, thoughtfulness and helpfulness are great appreciation communicators. Next time you notice something fall to the floor, someone approach a door, or stuff needing to be moved, respond to that gentle nudge inside yourself that says, “Pick it up!” or “Open the door!” or “Get up and give a hand.”
Know the interests of those you care about well enough to occasionally send a small gift. An “appreciation gift” with your appreciation card will really light up their day.
Praise something they have done well. Send an appreciation card identifying the specific actions that you found admirable.
Say “Thank you.” Show your appreciation for their work and contributions to your life through a card.
Encourage people to talk about and share their dreams, goals, and desires with you. The very act of asking affirms them and shows your interest and concern for what they want.
Express your appreciation through a card for a first time meeting of another person. Let them know it was nice to meet them and you hope to see them again soon.
Many more things could be added to this list. However, just think about how many of these things could be accomplished by sending a card with a heart-felt message.
Test drive the iCare Cards system HERE! Find out how you can use it to show appreciation.
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