I like to think of myself as a person who expresses and accepts gratitude frequently. I love to send Thank You notes and really appreciate people who do the same. It seems like with the advent of e-cards and Facebook, people feel it is sufficient to send a quick email or wall post to say thanks, or even wish a close friend or family member a Happy Birthday.
I, however, like to keep it “old school” and use the U.S. mail. For something like $0.44, I can brighten someone's day by sending a card letting them know that they were in my thoughts and I cared enough to let them know it.
There is also an application in the business world as well.
About 10 years ago, when I was selling digital print solutions for a very small shop, one of my clients was the biggest construction company in Chicago. They were in my top 5 for several years and I took very good care of them. I would run over whenever they needed help with a project, I frequently held educational programs for them, and took them to lunch and dropped by with treats often.
Imagine my shock when I received a formal invitation to a VENDOR APPRECIATION lunch held at a local restaurant one Christmas-time. I had never heard of such a thing. A client taking its vendor to lunch? What a treat. And, not only did I get to attend, but they invited two of my customer service team as well. You can imagine how much we enjoyed it, and we talked about it for years to come.
My point is this: there are lots of ways that we express gratitude. However you decide to do it is up to you, but PLEASE remember to do it...and do it often. Send cards to clients to tell them you appreciate their business and hope the relationship continues well into the future. Buy lunch for your production staff when they have done a particularly good job or you have had a record breaking month. Heck, even acknowledge a vendor that helps you out in a pinch. Your paper guy would love to hear some words of praise from you.
I have walked into many clients' offices and seen my cards hanging in their cubicles. I know for a fact my efforts have paid off. Give it a try. And if you want to send ME a Thank You note, I would welcome it! Just comment on my blog below and I'll send you my mailing address.
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- Business Management - Marketing/Sales
Blogger, author, consultant, coach and all around evangelist for the graphic arts industry, Kelly sold digital printing for 15 years so she understands the challenges, frustrations and pitfalls of building a successful sales practice. Her mission is to help printers of all sizes sell more stuff. Kelly's areas of focus include sales and marketing coaching, enabling clients to find engagement strategies that work for them and mentoring the next generation of sales superstars.
Kelly graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Political Science and, among other notable accomplishments, co-founded the Windy City Rollers, a professional women's roller derby league. She is also the mother of two sets of twins under the age of ten, so she fears nothing.