Through the years, I’ve dealt with many Realtors. Most are competent. Most did a good job. But one of them stands out from the crowd in my mind.
We had just bought a new house in a new town that we knew nothing about. My husband was being transferred there and I wasn’t overjoyed at being uprooted once again after I had spent a couple of years getting acquainted and making new friends in the town that I had grown to love.
Our Realtor sensed that this wasn’t a move that I was happy about. He was friendly. He was helpful. He did a good job. He helped guide us through the home buying process with competence.
But the one thing that I will always remember is that when our moving van arrived and we unlocked the house that was going to be our next home, I walked into the empty living room. When I then walked into the kitchen, there on the kitchen counter to greet us was a beautiful flowering plant and a gorgeous gift basket. Next to the basket was a folder filled with suggestions of businesses that he liked to use in town, coupons to several restaurants, and a list of all the phone numbers we would need during the next few days.
He kept in touch during the four years that we lived there occasionally sending us a small gift or a coupon to a favorite of his. Or just a phone call to ask if we needed anything.
When someone in my husband’s office moved in or out of town, we always recommended our favorite Realtor.
When we were transferred once again and had to sell that house, there was no question as to who we would call. That Realtor made a commission once again.
If you're in business, you have competition. And you are probably trying to think of ways to stand out from the crowded arena. One way to get your customer's attention is to show your gratitude.
Not just during the holidays but year-round. Remember, it costs far more to acquire a new client than it does to keep an existing client loyal and happy.
Thank yous have to be sincere but they don't have to be expensive. And they don't always have to be gifts.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Call them and thank them for their business. It can only take a few minutes but can be worth gold since you may be the only one who does.
2. Send them a handwritten note. It can be time consuming if you save them up and do them all at once. But keep a pile of thank you note cards on your desk and write them as soon as you service their business. If you don't have lots of time to write, hire a student with good handwriting to do them for you.
3. Keep your eyes peeled for articles that may be of interest to them. If you see their name in the paper or an article about their industry, attach a short note to it, and send it on its way. You could forward a blog post to them as well.
4. Reward their referrals to you. Don't take those referrals for granted. This is a great time to send a USEFUL gift with your company name on it -- such as a mug imprinted with your company name and filled with an assortment of beverages or candies. If you receive a lot of referrals, Maple Ridge Farms has some wonderful candy and cookie gifts that can be imprinted with your company name.
5. Remember to say Thank You all Year. Don't wait until the holidays. You'll really be remembered if you send them a small gift occasionally throughout the year. Everyone loves cookies. Check out our cookie gifts which can be personalized just for your business.
6. Send Congratulations. If a client or prospect is promoted, gets a new job, or even gets married or has a new baby, send them congratulations. It can be as inexpensive as a card or a congratulations gift basket or cookie gift.
7. Host an annual "Customer Appreciation Day." Host a party or special event in honor of your best customers and let them know how much you appreciate working with them. Send out creative invitations using a promotional product. Make it a fun event that they will look forward to attending.
Speaking of showing appreciation, thank you for taking the time to read this post! I always appreciate your comments and would love to hear what you're doing to appreciate your customers.
Comments(5)