Saying Thank You to Clients and Referral Partners

There are only a few secular holidays that we all share – Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Veteran’s Day, and New Year’s. Other holidays either have a religious significance – Christmas, Ramadan, Hanukkah, etc. or are controversial – Columbus Day and Labor Day.

Thanksgiving is unique in that there are no presents involved. The idea is simple – to give thanks for family, friends, and colleagues, and for the things we’re grateful for that have happened over the past twelve months. It’s a day of parades, football, movies, and early Black Friday blowouts. For anyone in sales, Thanksgiving is the ideal time to drop a customer or referral partner a season’s greeting in the form of a personal note of thanks for their business and support.

If you haven’t done so yet, Thanksgiving is a great the time to show your appreciation. Follow these instructions to keep it simple.

• Choose a blank card or stationery which reflects the holiday or time of year.
• Your card or note should be handwritten. Don’t use company letterhead or envelopes.
• Make your note stand out from the regular mail by choosing something warm and unexpected such as a colorful envelope or stationery of a unique weight.
• Don’t be afraid to use a more personal tone, be direct and above all be sincere.
• Work through a number of drafts on a separate sheet of paper until you find the right tone.
• Avoid trying to be funny unless you know the recipient very well.
• If your handwriting is illegible have someone with good penmanship transcribe the note for you.
• Keep your message short and sweet and don’t ask for anything in return.

A simple “Happy Thanksgiving” and a heartfelt line  is all you need. It will remind the recipient of your role in helping them buy or sell their home.  Or it will acknowledge a business partner for their continued support.