The Master Guide to Impactful Thank You Notes by Jay D. Burgmann

The Master Guide to Impactful Thank You Notes by Jay D. Burgmann

“An effective follow-up with a prospect, client, boss, work associate, friend, or even relative accomplishes two things; first, it gives you the occasion to recap your event, and second, provides the opportunity to celebrate actions or accomplishments from it.”

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Thank You notes are a big deal for me during the month of December. At the beginning of the month, I have my birthday and at the end there’s Christmas- the mother of all holidays that require thank you notes.

For full transparency, I received a free copy of this book from the author Jay D. Burgmann after his brother conducted a lovely and gratis ‘understanding Medicare’ event at my local library. Afterwards, Jay suggested I schedule an event based off his book and I just may.

The book itself is clearly self published. The author didn’t chose a font that appeals, at least to me. Occasionally, when he wants the reader to know the text is important, he goes into the faux pas of all caps.

I don’t know about you, but I personally don’t like being shouted at- even in literature form.

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Like this: “KEY POINT- IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE PERFECT. SAYING THANKS IS MOST IMPORTANT. A WELL WORDED MESSAGES MAKES IT EVEN MORE POWERFUL. BEAUTIFYING IT WITH GOOD STATIONARY IS A NICE TOUCH”

Beyond the superficial, this self-described “workbook journal” is very helpful, especially for younger readers who have either never been educated about the importance of saying thank you, or don’t care.

Burgmann highlights the note as an important networking tool. He recalls a visit to the office of someone he wrote a thank you note to and says the client framed his handwritten note and had it on the wall of her office.

It was that impactful. And it’s easy to understand why.

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Beyond the emotional appeal which Jay focuses on, expressing gratitude is one of the great strategies in the New Age law of attraction. What you think and speak about, so the teachers say, you bring about- perhaps in ways and means you never could imagine.

Burgmann, with this short book, joins the ranks of these educators and gurus. Saying thank you is important. Knowing how to write it is important.

Highly recommended for everyone. Don’t be put off by the format, focus on his message.

Lauren Berger the ‘Intern Queen’ shares how to write an excellent Thank You note. You can find internships and read her blog at http://Internqueen.com

And thanks for reading!

Converse With Charisma!: How To Talk To Anyone And Enjoy Networking by Made for Success

Converse With Charisma!: How To Talk To Anyone And Enjoy Networking by Made for Success

Converse with Charisma is an audiobook collection of business speakers and experts who each offer different suggestions for how to improve your speaking skills, networking, presentation and improvisational speaking styles.

My big takeaway from this, besides some very helpful hints, is that speaking and networking is a skill that can be learned. It’s not something that some people are just born with and others aren’t. That being said, it would certainly be a step out of my comfort zone to try some of these suggestions.

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For example, one of the sections was a meditative visualization where you see yourself going to a networking event and successfully exchanging business cards with 25 contacts. I’m game for most any meditation, but in this middle of this one, my mind was screaming at me combinations of “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” and “NOOOOOOO”.

But then again, I’m a self-confessed introvert. I’m trying to step up my presentation game for filming an episode of my family’s YouTube channel and also taking a bigger part in marketing it. These are both skills I think I can master, but it’s scary to try new things, you know?

Anyway, back to Converse with Charisma.

My favorite section was Jim Rohn’s fun, motivational speech on the first disc. As I’ve expressed in a few other reviews, Rohn is a master storyteller and life coach. He lifts you up, empowers you, makes you believe in life-long learning and goal setting. I think this collection may be worth borrowing from the library just to hear his contribution.

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As for new material, the presentation on disc 8 “Thinking on Your Feet” contained a bunch of information I hadn’t heard before. It gives suggestions for soliciting questions from a crowd and leading programs. It also gave a formula for organizing speeches to make a higher impact. I think I’m going to have to listen to that part a couple times to get everything I can out of it.

Recommended for people looking to step up their speaking and presentation game… fellow introverts I’m looking at you.

Thanks for reading!