Clients Served on a Silver Platter? Yes please!
Giving is a fundamental part of networking – it brings out the best in us, helps others feel good and allows them to be receptive and engaged with things that we have to say.
So, here's a question – how do your contacts, suppliers, associates, referrers and colleagues know you value them? Often, we assume people know how much they mean to us. But until we act on it, it becomes meaningless.
I realised within nine months of starting my business that 18 people were bringing me 75% of my leads. Who wouldn’t want to receive ongoing opportunities like that? I needed to think of ways to demonstrate my appreciation for those efforts and continue to build on those relationships.
Here are some practical ways that we can show people we appreciate them:
If you have a great experience with someone, tell them by sending a personal handwritten note afterwards. It is so rare these days to receive something in the post that is not a bill or computer generated. Taking the time to invest in a card, a message, handwritten envelope, stamp, and the physical postage resonates with so many people. You have taken time and effort to show your appreciation and they have a real moment of joy. Technology has provided alternatives too - take a photo of the handwritten note and send it through personal message or better still, send an audio or video message of appreciation. It adds the personal touch.
Another way we can show we value people is when we have a contact become a client. How do you thank people for their business? Acknowledgement of them choosing you will be welcomed. I often share the example of a small wooden embroidered brooch I received when I became a client of a business. I had shared in conversation that as a hobby I like to do cross stitch. Because they had listened and taken note, this token had sentimental significance to me even though it didn’t cost much. I still wear it and obviously still talk about it.
If a morning tea shout is more your thing, rather than randomly doing it why not save it for a time that is meaningful to the other party. For example, if you know they have a special event like a product launch coming up and the entire team is under the pump, do it then. People always love food and drink, especially at busy and stressful times.
I love special occasions throughout the year. If you give eggs at Easter why not do it after the holiday? They definitely won’t expect it. If, like me, you love Christmas, rather than December, why not think of another time that might work. I know some businesses choose the new year when people are returning to work because it’s not often you want to come back from holiday. Mid-winter Christmas gifts are always a surprise and lift the spirits and mood at often a dreary time of year.
Money is usually the first thing that comes to mind but the gift of time is often a greater sacrifice. A business you work with may be doing a campaign or promotion that requires manual labour. Your offer to help will not go unnoticed.
So how can you show the most important people to your business that you value them? Whether through the written word, speech, gifts or time, letting people know you care makes them feel appreciated and gives them a good feeling about you and your business. By acknowledging their contribution, they will feel cherished and want to reciprocate your kindness and you will be remembered in the best possible way.