If you were raised with manners or even if you have been in the real world for any length of time, you know to always say things like “Thank You,” “You look nice Today,” or “Great idea.” More often than not, that is just manners right?
Well, you would be surprised how few people do it and when it does happen, what an impact it makes on the receiver.
When I teach my high level clients, my business clients as well as my Property Scene Designers, I always give them a follow up marketing sequence as well as including Thank you cards or notes into each product that they will pass along to their clients. It is the right thing to do and a great business practice. I know that it will warm the hearts of our clients because we stopped to say so and to recognize them.
So, let’s look at how that affects our business. Because our clients know that I appreciate them, what do you think they will do for me?
1) Probably buy more product
2) Continue to work with me
3) Refer others to our products, trainings and services.
Does that mean that I am grateful because I want something in return? Nope. I am grateful just because I really am. It is authentic. But, it also always brings me more…my favorite word…more time, more money, more clients, more freedom…you name it, gratitude brings it.
So, how can you become more grateful to your clients (by the way, don’t ignore these tips for your friends, family or neighbors —with just a little tweek you can use them for everyone)?
1) Start with a written note or email each time you speak with them. Sometimes an email to confirm an appointment is just fine and then you can add: “And, thank you again for the business. I really enjoy working with you and value you as my client.”
2) If you have a less familiar relationship with the client or you have closed a multi-stage deal, you will definitely want to send a hand written note and possibly a small gift. One of my favorite gifts is a simple coffee mug that says “Live life like you mean it.” Then I add either a coffee gift card or bag of coffee depending upon their preferences. In the card, I again thank them for their business, tell them I am excited about working together and that I will look forward to a long and prosperous business relationship. Now I am planting the seed for future work and it was so easy to do because I was already in a state of gratitude.
3) Recognition is a wonderful way to express your gratitude to a client by way of “spotlighting” them. When I produced my monthly newsletter, The Real Report, I would always showcase one of our high level professional members such as a Property Scene Designer (PD) or a Stager Pro (SP). It was my way of saying “thank you” and it allowed me to feature them to their customers to get additional work. And many of them went on to use that feature as part of their own marketing so I have helped them out in several ways. Would you be able to send a flyer out to your clients every other month and brag about how fast someone sold a listing? How about sending out an email?
4) Drop by and say hello. You would be surprised how many clients would love to have you “pop your head in the door” just to say hello, drop off a cup of coffee, a donut, a daisy…just a 2 minute visit where you say “I don’t want to bother you, but had you on my mind so I wanted to just say thanks so much for all the work you give me. Have an awesome day.” You can almost guarantee that 10 people will know about this before you ever leave the building.
These are just a few suggestions to get you to start living in a state of gratitude for your clients each and every day. Imagine the fun you will have when you brighten their day…and I promise you that the business that will come to you in return will warm your heart and your pocket book!
When I told my sister Roxie about a few things I just did, she reminded me; “it is far better to give than to receive,”…thanks Rox!
Your Home Staging Weekly Mission:
Choose 5 customers or potential customers that you have spoken with in the past. Decide on one way that you will tell them how much you appreciate them and take action on it by Monday. You can send a card, an email, stop by or pick up the phone. The important thing is that you take action on it today to get the results you are looking for tomorrow.
To your greatest success,
Karen Schaefer
www.APSDmembers.com
Founder and Creative Director; APSD The Association of Property Scene Designers
The World leader in Home Staging Training and Certification
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