I know as channel professionals we feel like we don’t hear the phrase “thank you” enough from our partners. So when we do receive gratitude for our efforts, it’s important to respond in a way that really strengthens our partnership.
Last year I read a wonderful and very appropriate post from my friend at influencePEOPLE. Brian Ahearn is a Cialdini Method Certified Trainer and, through his blog, trainings, and workshops, he helps people influence others. If you want to hear your clients, friends, and family say “yes” more often, you should definitely subscribe to his blog.
In his Thanksgiving-week blog, “Correct Ways to respond to ‘Thanks!’” he points out how most people typically respond to the phrase “thank you”:
- “No problem.”
- “No big deal.”
- “Just doing my job.”
- “I would have done it for anyone.”
- Or worst of all, silence.
In the words of Ahearn, people need to “strike each of these responses from their vocabulary!”
I couldn’t agree more. When it comes to engaging with your channel partners, it’s important to take advantage of any and every opportunity that’s available. Here are some suggestions for how to respond next time your channel partner offers their appreciation to you:
- “You’re one of our most important channel partners, so I was happy to do this for you.”
- “That’s what long-term partners do for one another. Thank you for trusting us.”
- “That’s part of the great service you can expect when you deal with us. We appreciate you, your business, and our continued partnership.”
- “It would have killed an ordinary person but I was glad to risk it for you.” (Some people will appreciate the humor)
- “That’s part of the great service you can expect when you deal with me.”
- “I was happy to do it. I appreciate you (and your business).”
During this holiday season, it is so important to count our blessings and give thanks. But equally as significant is how you respond to those that take the time to say “thank you” to you. Whether you are around the dinner table or the boardroom table, don’t miss a wonderful opportunity to deepen your relationships with those around you.
I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Move the Channel,
Travis