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.
