Thank You

I got a wonderful surprise recently. A colleague sent me six half bottles of my favorite champagne with a thank you note for introducing him into a new account. It was a great reminder of the power of “thank you”.

Isn’t it true that we take for granted those who do the most for us? I think many times our client relationships are like our love life. We commit energy, time and thoughtfulness during the dating phase, and when we hook them and “marry” them, we feel as though we can make less of an effort.

When was the last time you thanked your customers? Are you in the habit of sending a thank you note when you win a new account, or when an existing client has awarded you a new project?  If you aren’t, it is an important habit to adopt – a thank you note is the least you can do to let them know that they are appreciated.

If you’d like to go a step further, start a file in your computer. Keep a list of websites and shops who will deliver gifts. When you want to send a token of appreciation, you won’t have to spend countless hours online trying to come up with something clever or meaningful. I keep a file of companies who ship wine, cigars, cookies, cakes or gift baskets including:

• www.redenvelope.com
• www.nonniestraditionals.com
• www.levenger.com
• www.deananddeluca.com
• www.lobstergram.com
• www.tiffany.com

And, when someone sends me a unique gift, I make sure to add the website or shop to my list.

If you want to move to the head of the class, send a thank you note to the company who allowed you into their bid process, but awarded the business to someone else. This is a courtesy and also leaves the door open for future opportunities.

Thank you isn’t just a topic for Miss Manners. If you are in any type of client-facing role, it should be a part of your ongoing relationship with your clients.

Who can you thank today?

 

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  Whole Brain Thinking – A Wrap Up - November 23, 2011

  Connecting to the Blue Brain - November 16, 2011

  Connecting to the Green Brain - November 9, 2011

  Connecting to the Red Brain - November 2, 2011