While the internet has brought us all closer together through sites like Active Rain, and allowed us to form new types of relationships that were not possible even ten years ago, there is a lot of talk in the blogosphere about the loss of the personal relationships. Though there may initially be a disconnect when relationships are new, as they grow and mature that disconnect is lessened tremendously.
Is there a corollary to client/customer relationships as well?
I do a good deal of business with clients on the internet and may not actually meet them until the time of closing. The internet has made it possible for good business to be performed in almost real time and over great distances. Because of this, much of the relationship is forged on the phone, through e-mails, and via instant messaging! When a closing occurs the consummate professional is not through with that client. A relationship has been built and needs to be maintained through Thank you Cards or newsletters or Birthday Cards or a combination of different things. The art of writing cards to people to show your appreciation cannot be relegated to the past. Personal wishes and gratitude can be conveyed in such a sincere and true manner that the referrals will follow. I believe that a happy client will send you referrals, but you must ask! I include the tag line, "The highest compliment my clients can give me is the referral of their friends, family and business partners" on all my e-mails and write it in all my personal cards. Here is an example of a Thank You card that I send out after a closing; I include at least three business cards with every card I send!
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I use thank you cards all the time. I find that hand writing them makes it much more personal. People tend to like that.