👇Do this now
Show gratitude before the end of the year.
Hi Oddies,
One thing about me is that I do not wait until the very last day of the year to get things done. I like to enter December feeling calm, which is unusal for me. I always look and feel like my life is in a frenzy.
So one of the biggest to-do list items I check off this month is brainstorming and preparing how i’ll show gratitude to people on my list this year.
Who is on this list? This isn’t friends or family. That list is different. This list is all about people who I worked with, who did business with me, who supported me, or who mentored me. People like that.
Even if you feel like you don’t have anyone to write down, get to 10. These could be people who did one simple thing to help you this year - it doesn’t matter.
The purpose? First of all, to properly say thank you. But second, to keep your relationship with them fresh as you enter 2025.
How do we do this? I’ve got your back.
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45 Ways to Show Professional Gratitude Before the End of the Year
For Full-Time Employees
Digital Appreciation (Budget: $0)
1. The LinkedIn Champion
Action: Create public recognition posts
How: Write detailed, achievement-focused posts tagging colleagues
Why: Builds public professional reputation for both parties
Script: "Inspired by @[Name]'s innovative approach to [specific project]. Their solution to [challenge] demonstrated exceptional [skill], resulting in [specific outcome]. Grateful to work with such talented professionals! #CareerGrowth #Innovation"
2. The Email Elevator
Action: Send praise emails to leadership
How: Write specific, metrics-focused emails about colleagues to their managers
Why: Helps colleagues gain visibility while showing team spirit
Script: "Hi [Manager], [Colleague]'s recent work on [project] generated [specific results]. Their approach to [challenge] particularly impressed me because [specific detail]. I feel fortunate to work with such talented team members."
3. The Social Amplifier
Action: Systematically engage with colleagues' professional content
How: Set 15-minute daily blocks for meaningful engagement
Why: Increases visibility and shows consistent support
Script: "Your insights on [topic] really resonated, especially the point about [specific detail]. This adds valuable perspective to the conversation about [industry trend]."
Tangible Appreciation (Budget: $20-50)
4. The Coffee Connection
Action: Send surprise coffee/tea deliveries
How: Use delivery apps or local café gift cards
Why: Shows personal attention to preferences
Script: "Your favorite [specific drink] is on its way! Thanks for your amazing support on [project/task]. You make our team better!"
5. The Treat Messenger
Action: Send favorite snacks to the office
How: Use office delivery services or local shops
Why: Creates memorable, personal appreciation
Script: "A little fuel for our awesome [department] team! Thanks for making every day better with your [specific positive trait]."
6. The Book Bridge
Action: Send relevant professional books
How: Choose books aligned with their career interests
Why: Supports professional growth while showing thoughtfulness
Script: "This book on [topic] reminded me of our discussions about [specific challenge]. Your perspective would be fascinating!"
Professional Development (Budget: Time Investment)
7. The Skill Share
Action: Offer to teach a team lunch-and-learn
How: Prepare a 30-minute session on your expertise
Why: Adds value while positioning you as a resource
Script: "Would love to share my experience with [skill/tool] in a casual lunch session. I've learned so much from our team and would like to contribute back."
8. The Documentation Hero
Action: Create helpful process documents
How: Document your efficient workflows or solutions
Why: Helps team while demonstrating initiative
Script: "Created this guide based on questions I frequently receive about [process]. Hope it helps streamline your work!"
9. The Resource Curator
Action: Share industry insights and articles
How: Create a weekly digest of relevant content
Why: Positions you as a valuable information source
Script: "Thought you'd find these articles about [topic] interesting, especially regarding [specific point]. Happy to discuss further!"
Relationship Building (Budget: Variable)
10. The Mentor Match
Action: Connect mentors and mentees
How: Make thoughtful introductions between colleagues
Why: Creates valuable professional connections
Script: "[Name 1], given your interest in [area], I'd love to introduce you to [Name 2], who has great expertise in this space. [Name 2], [Name 1] is working on fascinating projects in [related area]."
11. The Cross-Department Connector
Action: Organize inter-department coffee chats
How: Set up casual 30-minute connection sessions
Why: Builds broader internal network
Script: "Would love to introduce our teams over coffee. Your work in [department] aligns interestingly with our current projects in [your department]."
12. The Project Appreciator
Action: Create project completion celebrations
How: Organize small team recognition events
Why: Builds team morale and acknowledges efforts
Script: "Let's celebrate the successful completion of [project]! Your dedication to [specific aspect] made this possible."
Year-End Special Touches (Budget: $50-100)
13. The Gratitude Box
Action: Create personalized appreciation packages
How: Combine small meaningful items with handwritten notes
Why: Makes lasting impression with personal touch
Script: "Each item represents something I appreciate about working with you: [explain each item's significance]."
14. The Charitable Champion
Action: Make donations to colleagues' favorite causes
How: Research causes they support and contribute
Why: Shows personal attention to their values
Script: "Made a donation to [cause] in your honor, knowing how passionate you are about [issue]."
15. The Future Forward
Action: Send personal growth tools/planners
How: Choose quality planning or development tools
Why: Supports their future success
Script: "Your growth this year has been inspiring. Here's to an amazing year ahead!"
For Side Hustlers
Digital Appreciation (Budget: $0)
16. The Content Champion
Action: Create public testimonial graphics
How: Design shareable social media posts highlighting client wins
Why: Provides value to clients while building your portfolio
Script: "Celebrating @[ClientName]'s amazing results with [specific achievement]! Your innovative approach to [challenge] shows why you're a leader in [industry]. Thank you for letting me be part of your journey! #ClientSuccess"
17. The Resource Radar
Action: Share personalized resource collections
How: Create custom bookmark collections or resource lists
Why: Adds value without monetary investment
Script: "Curated these [industry] resources thinking of your goals for [specific project]. Each link addresses a different aspect of [challenge] we discussed."
18. The Skills Showcase
Action: Feature clients/collaborators on your platform
How: Create "Partner Spotlight" content
Why: Provides exposure while showing appreciation
Script: "This week's spotlight features [Name]'s groundbreaking work in [area]. Their approach to [specific aspect] is revolutionizing how we think about [topic]."
Tangible Appreciation (Budget: $25-75)
19. The Productivity Pack
Action: Send curated work-from-home care packages
How: Combine useful items (quality pens, notebooks, tea)
Why: Supports their work while showing thoughtfulness
Script: "A few tools to support your amazing work! The [specific item] reminded me of your commitment to [specific goal]."
20. The Local Love
Action: Send local artisan products
How: Source from small businesses in your area
Why: Supports local community while showing personal touch
Script: "This [item] from [local business] reminded me of our conversations about [shared interest]. Hope it brings joy to your workspace!"
21. The Inspiration Drop
Action: Send motivational books or planners
How: Choose based on their business goals
Why: Shows investment in their success
Script: "Your journey in [field] inspired me to send this. The chapter on [topic] particularly made me think of your approach to [challenge]."
Network Building (Budget: Time Investment)
22. The Connection Catalyst
Action: Create introduction chains
How: Connect complementary professionals
Why: Builds valuable network while helping others
Script: "[Name 1], [Name 2]'s work in [area] aligns perfectly with your needs in [specific aspect]. [Name 2], [Name 1] is doing fascinating things with [related topic]."
23. The Knowledge Exchange
Action: Organize skill-sharing sessions
How: Set up virtual mini-workshops
Why: Creates mutual value through learning
Script: "Would love to exchange insights - I can share about [your skill] while learning about your expertise in [their skill]. No pressure, just mutual growth!"
24. The Mastermind Maker
Action: Create small accountability groups
How: Connect 3-4 peers in similar stages
Why: Builds support network while adding value
Script: "I'm connecting a few talented professionals for monthly growth discussions. Your experience with [specific challenge] would add valuable perspective."
Client Appreciation (Budget: Variable)
25. The Service Upgrade
Action: Offer free service upgrades to loyal clients
How: Add bonus features or extended support
Why: Shows appreciation while encouraging retention
Script: "As a thank you for your continued trust, I'd love to include [premium feature] in your next project at no additional cost."
26. The Early Access
Action: Provide preview access to new offerings
How: Create exclusive beta testing opportunities
Why: Shows value for their input while getting feedback
Script: "Your insights have been invaluable. Would you be interested in early access to [new service/feature]? Your feedback would help shape its development."
27. The Custom Tutorial
Action: Create personalized how-to guides
How: Document specific processes for clients
Why: Provides lasting value and shows dedication
Script: "Created this custom guide for [their specific use case]. Hope it helps streamline your [process]!"
Time-Sensitive Appreciation (Budget: $50-100)
28. The Holiday Helper
Action: Send seasonal productivity tools
How: Choose practical items aligned with work needs
Why: Shows thoughtfulness and supports their work
Script: "As we enter [season/holiday], wanted to send something to support your incredible work. Each item was chosen with your [specific work style/needs] in mind."
29. The Milestone Marker
Action: Celebrate client anniversaries
How: Send personalized appreciation packages
Why: Strengthens long-term relationships
Script: "Celebrating one year of collaboration! Your trust in my [service] means the world. Here's a small token of appreciation..."
30. The Growth Reporter
Action: Create annual impact reports
How: Document client achievements and growth
Why: Shows value while celebrating success
Script: "Looking back at our year together: [list specific achievements]. Thank you for letting me be part of your growth journey!"
For Business Owners
Team Development (Budget: Variable by Team Size)
31. The Growth Catalyst
Action: Provide personalized learning budgets
How: Allocate funds for chosen development areas
Why: Shows investment in individual growth
Script: "Your passion for [skill area] adds tremendous value to our team. I'd like to support your growth with [specific learning opportunity]."
32. The Skill Spotlight
Action: Create team teaching opportunities
How: Set up internal knowledge sharing sessions
Why: Validates expertise while building capabilities
Script: "Your expertise in [area] has impressed everyone. Would you consider leading a session to share your insights?"
33. The Career Architect
Action: Develop custom growth plans
How: Create individual development roadmaps
Why: Shows long-term commitment to success
Script: "I see tremendous potential in your [specific strengths]. Let's create a growth plan that aligns with your career aspirations."
Client Relations (Budget: $100-500 per key client)
34. The Industry Insider
Action: Create exclusive market reports
How: Compile industry insights and trends
Why: Provides unique value to key clients
Script: "Created this custom market analysis thinking of your challenges in [specific area]. Hope these insights support your strategic planning."
35. The Success Box
Action: Send milestone celebration packages
How: Create custom gift boxes for major wins
Why: Celebrates shared successes
Script: "Celebrating our successful [project/milestone] with carefully chosen items representing our journey together."
36. The Strategic Partner
Action: Offer advisory sessions
How: Schedule quarterly strategy meetings
Why: Deepens relationship beyond transactions
Script: "Would love to schedule time to discuss your vision for [next period] and how we can support your goals."
Vendor Appreciation (Budget: $75-200 per key vendor)
37. The Supply Chain Star
Action: Create vendor appreciation events
How: Organize recognition ceremonies/meals
Why: Strengthens crucial business relationships
Script: "Your reliability in [service area] has been crucial to our success. Would love to celebrate our partnership over [meal/event]."
38. The Early Settler
Action: Implement early payment programs
How: Pay key vendors ahead of schedule
Why: Builds goodwill and reliability
Script: "Implementing early payments to show our appreciation for your consistent excellence."
39. The Reference Provider
Action: Offer detailed testimonials
How: Write comprehensive success stories
Why: Supports vendor growth while documenting value
Script: "Would love to share how your [service/product] has specifically impacted our success in [area]."
Community Building (Budget: Time + Variable Financial)
40. The Industry Elevate
Action: Create mentorship programs
How: Structure support for industry newcomers
Why: Builds positive industry presence
Script: "Your journey inspired our new mentorship initiative. Would you consider sharing your insights as a mentor?"
41. The Local Leader
Action: Support community causes
How: Partner with local organizations
Why: Strengthens community connections
Script: "Supporting [local cause] aligns with our commitment to [shared value]. Would you like to join us in this initiative?"
42. The Knowledge Network
Action: Host industry roundtables
How: Organize peer learning sessions
Why: Positions company as industry leader
Script: "Hosting a discussion on [industry challenge]. Your perspective would add significant value to the conversation."
Year-Round Recognition (Budget: Annual Planning Required)
43. The Impact Tracker
Action: Create achievement portfolios
How: Document team and individual wins
Why: Shows consistent recognition of efforts
Script: "Documented your impressive impact this year: [specific achievements]. Your contributions shape our success."
44. The Wellness Champion
Action: Implement wellbeing initiatives
How: Provide health and wellness support
Why: Shows care for whole person
Script: "Introducing [wellness benefit] because your wellbeing matters to us."
45. The Future Builder
Action: Create long-term incentive programs
How: Develop equity or profit-sharing plans
Why: Aligns individual and company success
Script: "Introducing our new [incentive program] to share our success with those who make it possible."
Love,
Jen Glantz
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Excellent ideas!
Thanks!!