Because I’m a marketing guy, as a consumer, I keep track of odd things, consciously and deliberately, that affect most people only subconsciously or subliminally. For example, in 2005 to date, I have patronized and spent money with 47 new businesses or professionals for the first time, made over 60 different purchases above $500.00, and referred customers or clients to 11 different businesses – and I have received thank-you notes from only 6, thank you gifts from 2. I have actually sent thank-you notes to more vendors than I’ve received!
In 2005, I made significant contributions to 11 different charities, most of them small entities. I received mass-produced, “stock” thank you notes with solicitations for additional contributions from 5, handwritten, personal thank-you’s from 3. In 2006, I have dropped 3 charities entirely, and redirected most of my giving to 3. Can you guess which 3?
It has now become increasingly common for businesses to send mass-produced thanksgiving cards (usually in lieu of Christmas cards). But what about the other eleven months of the year?
Have you ever fantasized about being a counterfeiter and getting away with it? Having a printing press in your basement and just printing up all the money you might need?
The currency you can legally print is: the thank you note.
— Dan Kennedy
Dan Kennedy is an author, consultant and business coach. Additional information at www.FreeDanKennedyNewsletter.com
4 Comments
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Chris,
This in fact is one of the reasons I have benefited so much from your programs. When I received your thank you note about a month after I purchased your Online Prospecting Secrets Course, I put it in my planner as a constant reminder to me to make sure I duplicate this in my business practice as I become successful. Thanks for the reminder and the best practice suggestions! High-Touch, High-Tech!
All the Best,
Mary
Thanks a lot for your comments – glad you benefitted from that tip! Doesn’t have to be as “fancy” as the one I sent you for getting Online Prospecting Secrets…just something thoughtful that shows you care about your customer. And since people rarely say “thank you” these days – it can make a huge difference!
Please keep me updated on your results.
Chris 🙂
Chris,
The problem with high-tech methods of marketing is that we become enamored with new gadgets and tend to forget that one of the basics needs of an individual is to “feel loved”
or be acknowledged.
I was amazed at my ignorance when it came to the area of follow-up.
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The #1 reason a client or customer switches products or service supplier is….
(drumroll please) *** 68% leave because of “perceived indifference”
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So a customer needs to know that you genuinely care about them!
Take the time to send those thank-you notes!!! An email just doesn’t cut it these days.
Increse your sales, referrals with a system for customer retention.
Jim Bell
Hi Jim,
I completely agree – we’ve been doing direct mail thank you notes to all of our customers for 4 years now – and it makes a difference.
Also go beyond just thanking your new downline members – but thank your partners and anyone else you do business with. We even had affiliates blogging last year solely about the thank you note we sent them!
So it sure stands out! And with the amount of marketing clutter these days…that can have a large impact on your business!
Chris 🙂