Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. The business world presents countless opportunities to make positive impressions that can influence your career trajectory. Whether you receive a thoughtful gift, benefit from a professional favor or interview for a new position, knowing when and how to express appreciation is an important professional skill. Unfortunately, not everyone recognizes these moments for what they are: opportunities to demonstrate character, emotional intelligence and respect for others. In my experience as a business owner, you can rarely go wrong by showing gratitude. A sincere thank-you email or text sent within 24 hours can distinguish you from colleagues and competitors who overlook this simple courtesy. Here are three situations when a next-day thank-you can make a meaningful difference. As a business owner, I often give team members tickets to concerts, theatrical performances or sporting events.
Whenever possible, I personalize these gifts. For example, if I know an employee follows a particular sports team, I may offer tickets to see that team play. Naturally, I appreciate the initial thank you. That acknowledgment usually arrives through our in-office chat tool shortly after the employee receives my offer. But I’m looking for something more. When an employee sends a follow-up text or email after attending the event, especially one that includes a photo or personal detail, it tells me something important about that person’s character. Employees often share how exciting the final minutes of the game were or mention that the concert exceeded expectations. These details show that the gift was genuinely appreciated. More importantly, the message demonstrates that the employee doesn’t consider these experiences to be an expected perk of employment. Instead, they recognize that someone made an effort to provide something of value. When I don’t receive any acknowledgment after the event, I notice.
While people sometimes forget or get busy, a consistent lack of expressed appreciation can create an impression of entitlement. And entitlement is not a quality that encourages employers to invest in someone’s future career development. Professional favors come in many forms. Your boss might invite you to sit at the company’s table at a major charity event, introduce you to an influential business contact or offer you an opportunity to attend an industry conference. These gestures deserve more than casual acknowledgment. Consider the invitation to a charity event. Your first responsibility is to RSVP promptly. RSVP comes from the French phrase Répondez, s’il vous plaît, meaning “Please respond.” Yet responding to invitations isn’t something everyone does consistently.
According to Greenvelope’s RSVP benchmarks, the response rate for conference and meeting invitations is approximately 66%. Failing to respond promptly can make you appear disorganized or indifferent. More importantly, recognize the invitation for what it represents: an opportunity to build professional relationships, demonstrate your interpersonal skills and potentially advance your career. After attending, send a next-day thank-you message. Mention something specific you appreciated, such as an interesting conversation or a valuable introduction. The same principle applies when a manager recommends you for a special assignment, provides career guidance or makes an introduction that expands your professional network. Of course, you don’t need to write a formal note every time your boss buys you a cup of coffee. But meaningful favors deserve meaningful appreciation. When you thank someone immediately and follow up afterward, you have taken advantage of demonstrating gratitude twice. Our SalesFuel research shows that 36% of B2B decision-makers will not do business with a sales professional who demonstrates poor etiquette. Even if you don’t work in sales, that finding should get your attention. Professional behavior influences how others perceive your credibility and character. Some managers, particularly those from older generations, likely place considerable importance on traditional expressions of courtesy.
Don’t miss these opportunities to show your character. Job candidates typically have three major opportunities to impress prospective employers. The first comes through their resumes, applications and assessment results. These materials help demonstrate whether candidates possess the skills and abilities required for the position. The second opportunity occurs during the interview. Candidates can distinguish themselves by discussing their accomplishments, answering questions thoughtfully and communicating their career aspirations. The third opportunity arrives after the interview ends. A well-written thank-you message sent within 24 hours can reinforce the positive impression you’ve worked hard to establish. This message shouldn’t be a generic, AI-generated paragraph that could be sent to any hiring manager. Instead, reference something specific from your conversation.
Perhaps you appreciated learning about the company’s growth plans or discussing a challenge the team hopes to solve. Briefly reaffirm your interest in the position and explain why the opportunity excites you. In an age when AI can produce polished resumes and professional correspondence in seconds, genuine personalization matters more than ever. A thoughtful thank you demonstrates communication skills, attention to detail and an understanding of professional etiquette. It also suggests something employers value: You recognize that another person invested time in considering your future. A next-day thank-you doesn’t require elaborate language, expensive stationery or a lengthy message. Often, three or four sincere sentences are enough. What matters is the acknowledgment. When someone gives you a gift, extends a favor or considers you for an opportunity, take the time to recognize their effort. You never know which professional relationship may influence your next promotion, assignment or career move. Gratitude costs very little, but failing to express it can cost you opportunities. Make the next-day thank-you a habit that sets you apart. The business world presents countless opportunities to make positive impressions that can influence your career trajectory. Whether you receive a thoughtful gift, benefit from a professional favor or interview for a new position, knowing when and how to express appreciation is an important professional skill. Unfortunately, not everyone recognizes these moments for what they are: opportunities to demonstrate character, emotional intelligence and respect for others. In my experience as a business owner, you can rarely go wrong by showing gratitude.
A sincere thank-you email or text sent within 24 hours can distinguish you from colleagues and competitors who overlook this simple courtesy.
