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When was the last time you thanked your customers?

This often neglected gesture is a very powerful sales tool. Much of my business is generated through referrals and I take great pains to thank everyone who refers new potential clients to me. Far too often, business people and employees try to redirect the blame or justify what went wrong instead of thanking their customer for pointing out the shortcoming. I firmly believe that we should send regular thank-you cards or notes telling people that we appreciate thei

When was the last time you thanked your customers?

This often neglected gesture is a very powerful sales tool. As a small jigger owner, I want to know that the companies I chose to work with evaluate my business. Here are some of the opportunities you have to thank the people everywhere you.

1. When they place an order or make a purchase of any type. This may sound pretty obvious but my experience has taught me otherwise. Do you remember the last time a retailer thanked you for shopping at their store? Has the note broker at the local grocery store thanked you lately? What in regard to the marker at the gas station on every side the corner? How nigh your suppliers or companies you use to support your business? I use several hotels bias the country to conduct my training workshops and some of my sessions are multi-day program which means I can spend several thousand dollars. Yet, I can count on one hand, the hotels who have thanked me for eclectic them versus one of their competitors.

2. When they refer you to peculiar potential client. Much of my homage is generated through referrals and I take great pains to thank everyone who refers new potential clients to me. A good friend of mine sent many referrals to an unionise yet, the other person did not take the time to thank him or reciprocate. Needless to say, my friend has stopped sending potential clients his way. Simply insomuch as he wasn’t thanked.

3. When they contact you regarding a service issue. Most companies don’t think of thanking customers for complaining. Far too often, point people and employees try to redirect the laying of charges or justify what went wrong instead of thanking their customer for pointing out the shortcoming. However, when people do express their concern with something, they are providing you with a golden opportunity to take corrective passage and improve your business. Shortly considering launching my website, a patron encountered a problem and received the incorrect item for an online order she had placed. I thanked her seeing as how she helped me correct a problem I didn’t know existed.

4. When they make a payment. This morning, as I wrote this article, I received an electronic card from my personal mentor who I work with on a regular basis. She thanked me for the timeliness of my payment and commented how quickly she usually receives payment. This, in turn, made me feel good as I now know that she recognizes this. Her thank-you will encourage me to continue my prompt payment habit. If she uses this move with all her clientele I’m sure she doesn’t encounter cash-flow problems very often.

5. When they help you solve a problem. I recently faced a minor problem with one of my clients. I asked one of my key contacts in the organization to look into the matter and in a matter of hours the situation was resolved. Without his help, I might still be dealing with the issue. balsam or stir like this requires recognition and a simple thank-you can go long way to reinforce someone’s behaviour.

6. When they are loyal. If you have long-term clients it is critical to thank them for their loyalty. We often take these individuals for granted and forget that they, like anyone else, want to feel recognized for their business. I firmly take for that we should send regular thank-you card or notes telling people that we get the drift their business. A friend of mine, who also owns a training company, has a thank-you party every year. He invites many of his customers for an evening of dining and entertainment as a way of thanking them. Plus, it gives them a set at hazard to network with other like-minded people, often resulting in the formation of new commercial relations relationships.

There are several ways to you can thank someone. You can say thank-you in person. You can call the other person. You can send an email. Or, you can write a note or mail a card. My preference is to send straight as long as most people receive very few thank-you cards. An inexpensive card with a few handwritten comments can help you stand out from your competition. Plus, many people will keep a card on their desk which keeps your name in their mind. Yes, it takes some time, but the payoff is usually worth it.

One last comment. I know you are busy and like most metier people, that your time is precious and more valuable than ever before. Therefore, I want to thank you for taking the time to read this article. I grasp it!

Copyright 2004 Kelley Robertson. All rights reserved

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