Thanksgiving Challenge - by Debe Maxwell, CRS
A Happy Thanksgiving Card That Keeps On Giving!
Why Are My Clients Are Calling Me?
For the past 6 years, I have been mailing out Thanksgiving cards rather than Christmas cards. I started doing this because I felt inundated with all sorts of Christmas cards from service providers as well as friends and family. I never had enough time to open these cards. We all know what this season is like!
When I could find time to open them, it was as quickly as possible. Some I would put to the side so that I could enjoy them at a later date. Unfortunately, many went into my Christmas box and it was well after the holidays before I could really check them out. Most of the time, too late to respond in a timely fashion. This is why I started a new tradition.
Before Papyrus stores went out of business, I would drive to Kierland in Scottsdale in mid-summer and look through the catalogs for the exact Thanksgiving card I wanted to send out. I included family, friends, and clients, as well as service personnel in this mailing. Prior to this year, I would fill all the cards out at one time and then send them out all at once. It was too much all at once.
What I did this year was to fill out 25% at a time and I mailed these out as I finished them. I wrote a personal note in each one to thank these wonderful people who put their trust in me. This is the way to go in the future!
To be perfectly frank, I didn't expect the amount of call volume I have received so far! I got calls thanking me for this thoughtful gesture. Rick and I have already gone out to dinner or lunch with 5 couples in the last 2 weeks. I have another dinner set up for next week. I am so thankful for clients who care enough to call me. It warms me at this special time of year.
See, these people had the time to open this card and appreciate it for what it was, a sincere "Thank You". It is not a call to action for business. It is something that tells them that I care about them and that I am thinking about them at this special time.
Here is a picture of my Japanese maple tree as of today. It is starting to drop leaves, but very slowly. It is another thing that I am thankful for because it really makes Thanksgiving more enjoyable to see that bright red color.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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