Odd Jobs - 👇Do this now
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. Ps. Want to support this newsletter?
45 Ways to Show Professional Gratitude Before the End of the YearFor Full-Time EmployeesDigital Appreciation (Budget: $0)1. The LinkedIn ChampionAction: 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 ElevatorAction: 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 AmplifierAction: 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 ConnectionAction: 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 MessengerAction: 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 BridgeAction: 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 ShareAction: 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 HeroAction: 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 CuratorAction: 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 MatchAction: 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 ConnectorAction: 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 AppreciatorAction: 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 BoxAction: 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 ChampionAction: 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 ForwardAction: 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 HustlersDigital Appreciation (Budget: $0)16. The Content ChampionAction: 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 RadarAction: 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 ShowcaseAction: 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 PackAction: 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 LoveAction: 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 DropAction: 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 CatalystAction: 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 ExchangeAction: 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 MakerAction: 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 UpgradeAction: 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 AccessAction: 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 TutorialAction: 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 HelperAction: 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 MarkerAction: 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 ReporterAction: 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 OwnersTeam Development (Budget: Variable by Team Size)31. The Growth CatalystAction: 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 SpotlightAction: 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 ArchitectAction: 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 InsiderAction: 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 BoxAction: 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 PartnerAction: 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 StarAction: 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 SettlerAction: 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 ProviderAction: 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 ElevateAction: 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 LeaderAction: 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 NetworkAction: 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 TrackerAction: 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 ChampionAction: 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 BuilderAction: 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 🙏 How to Support Odd Jobs Newsletter:Jen Glantz here! Your support of this newsletter means a lot to me. I write and run this on my own. To keep it an honest and spam-free place, I hardly ever run ads. So if you’d like to help keep this newsletter up and running, consider becoming a paid-subscriber. You’ll have access to workshops (on-demand and live) and my coaching services so I can help you brainstorm and execute your own odd job or side hustle. Thank you, endlessly! You're currently a free subscriber to Odd Jobs. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription. |
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