5 Reasons to Send a Business Thank You Card
I wrote previously about how powerful a thank you card can be. Everybody loves to be thanked and the personality of a properly executed thank you card can do wonders.
So we agree about the need, but when do you break out the quill and ink?
New Business: You received new business from a customer. This is the best and most exciting reason to send a thank you card. You are excited and the client is energized about their new partner.
It can also help cement the relationship, while reassuring them that they chose the right partner.
Proposal: They let you submit a proposal or a bid to them for new business. You are thanking them for the opportunity to win their business. You know they didn’t have to let you in the door, but they did and that deserves a thank you.
Referral: They referred you to someone else. This clearly deserves a thank you because they went out of their way to mention you.
People love to “have a guy” who they can refer, whatever industry it may be in. A car guy, a pool guy, a money guy, a (plug here) marketing guy . So when people refer to you as their “guy” (by the way I think guy is an appropriate moniker for both sexes in this instance) that is a strong endorsement that should be acknowledged.
Testimonial: Whether it’s a quote, a video, anything that you can post online, they deserve a thank you card. Actually these are so powerful that they probably deserve a steak along with that thank you card.
They attended an event: They took time to attend an event you sponsored or in some way were affiliated with. Not only did they take time out of their schedule, they show others (prospects and people in general) you are valuable enough for them to go out of their way.
There are other “smaller” things that someone can do for you. For instance, a mention on a social network might not warrant a card but an acknowledgement on that same network might.
The above scenarios are a few reasons to write a Thank You card to your customers. Remembering and thanking a client or prospect who has helped you and your business should never go without mention.
So let me know when do you write a Thank You card to your clients? Follow us on Twitter @travisabaker or on facebook here or our RSS feed.
Categories: advice, Small business advice, 366 marketing
I can't agree more. Sending a thank you card is not only a sing of gratitude but also a reassurance that the other party has made an impact on the business relationship.
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I recently started sending thank you cards after business deals. It adds incentive.
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Aside from those events that actually get you to send a Thank You card, the results of doing so are fantastic. Just a quick note to someone thanking them for their business lets them know that you sincerely appreciate them and the business they bring you. No, they won't save the card on a bulletin board and look at it every day, but it is another "touch" you can make with that customer/prospect without having to actually see them in person or talk to them on the phone. If you were invited to send a proposal, it might prompt them to look at yours again. If it was a referral, your card rewards them for doing so and they just might do it again. I must admit that I don't like writing them, but I do it anyway. My handwriting isn't great, so I print. I actually have my assistant address the card, but I write the note and sign my name.
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Thanks for the comment. I struggle with my handwriting as well, but i hope that emphasis the sincerity vs. "wow this guy can't print".
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It's true: You should always say thank you, and cards help give it that personal touch. Even if they don't wind up using your business--they will remember you, and maybe they'll think better of you next time.
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Hi Holly thanks for the comment, i think that the personal touch is missing in a lot of business interactions today.
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