Interior Arrangements | The Secret To Thanking Your Clients

Two Tip Tuesday
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The Secret To Thanking Your Clients

Old fashioned as it may sound, I am amazed at how many companies these days don’t bother to say ‘thank you’ to their clients. Most of us have been taught to be polite and to say thank you when people perform services well or go above and beyond for us.

Why is it then that so many companies do not include this simple, yet powerful gesture in their marketing plans? Think about it. Your clients have trusted you and chose to spend their hard earned dollars on your services.

A thank-you program or system for showing appreciation should become an integral part of your business marketing plan---for both existing and prospective clients.

Make a practice of thanking your existing, new and prospective clients every opportunity you get. While it is obvious that thanking new customers is important and thanking prospective clients is good rapport-building, it’s essential that you never take existing customers for granted.

Tip #1: When should you be thanking?

1. When people do business with you ... every time! It bears repeating: Customers have options every time they need a service or product. Thank them for choosing to do business with you.

2. When people compliment you and/or your services. Say "Thank you, I really appreciate your business."

3. When people offer feedback. Thanking customers for suggestions, comments (and yes, even complaints!) says you've heard what they had to say and value their opinion. Your note can simply say "Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! It ‘s a great idea and we are always looking for ways to improve our service.”

4. When people introduce you or recommend you to a friend. When customers recommend you, they put themselves on the line. If you deliver great service, they look good. A written thank you says you value their recommendation.

5. When they make you smile, send you helpful information or remember you in any way.
Spread Your Thank You’s Around!

Thank those who assist you in your business. Give credit to those who help you.

Thank your vendors and service providers. Without their products and/or professionalism, your clients wouldn't be receiving the satisfying service that you're able to provide.

Timing is of the essence and plays an important part in making your thank you’s effective…make them immediate, specific, sincere and special!

Tip #2 How should you be thanking?

After completing a project or providing a service, you may want to leave a small token of appreciation, in addition to expressing thanks verbally. It doesn’t need to be expensive, but do make it useful, appropriate and memorable.

More and more people these days are de-cluttering and eliminating the excess in their lives. Give something that can be used or used up.

Bonus Tip: Send a thank you note when you don’t get the business!

Yes, indeed…that’s what I said!! If you want to leave a lasting impression, PLUS exude professionalism and class…send thank you cards or notes to clients who have NOT chosen you!

Say something like “I appreciated the opportunity to submit a proposal to stage your home or I want to thank you for giving me the time to explain my services to you and I wish you the best success in selling your home. If there is ever anything I can assist you with in the future, please call.”

The extra few minutes you take to do this one simple thing just may come back to you in amazing ways…you might get their business after all, they may hire you for another service OR they may refer you to others. One thing for sure, it will get their attention and set you apart from your competition!

Now go out and practice an ‘attitude of gratitude’!

Staging a living room