Posted by Michelle/AL on 2/20/09 7:52pm
Msg #278293

How To Recognize Your Key Customers

There are two Title Companies that send me quite a bit of repeat business. I make it a point to give a heartfelt, verbal "thank you"; and when I respond to the confirmation I say "thank you" a second time. But that no longer seems like enough. I want to do more yet I don't want to cross the line of appropriateness. When I worked for an employer in the finance field, there were compliance and ethical standards that had to be observed.

I'm looking for suggestions of what might be a good gift idea for me to send to the schedulers and scheduling supervisors. Should I worry about whether or not they can accept a gift from me?

TIA for your suggestions and comments.

Reply by RickG/CA on 2/20/09 9:31pm
Msg #278303

This is much better than a box of doughnuts.

http://www.icingonthecupcake.com/

Reply by MW/VA on 2/20/09 9:32pm
Msg #278304

IMO "gifts" are not appropriate in this business. If you're getting a lot of repeat business it is because you "earned" it by providing a quality service. A good relationship with clients is key in this business, as everyone knows. It works well when we do a great job & they pay us in an appropriate fee & in a timely manner. I have, however, sent a small gift to my best customers at Christmas (something small, like a tin of VA peanuts). Just my .02.

Reply by Teddog/CO on 2/21/09 8:56am
Msg #278322

For my steady, good customers I send e-cards for the holidays with a nice note of thanks. It's a great idea to let your customers know you appreciate their business.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 2/21/09 9:15am
Msg #278324

Rick, MW & Teddog, thank you for responding..although you

each said something different there was a thread of commonality - I should not feel as if I HAVE to do much more than continuing to offer great service and being appreciative. MW, I hear you loud and clear, and agree that giving gifts in this business could be viewed as some as a conflict of interest.

Thanks again for your comments.

Reply by Teddog/CO on 2/21/09 9:30am
Msg #278327

Re: Rick, MW & Teddog, thank you for responding..although you

Hi Michelle,

Yes it's a true statement "it cost you nothing to be nice." Thank you for your business and the holiday e-card

Have a great weekend kiddo.

Reply by Treasure Valley Notary - Tina on 2/21/09 10:27am
Msg #278332

The Value Of A Thank You

The value of a thank you card has more power than most will fully understand. People tend to keep them for the visual reminder of how you made them feel. It's not so much what you say, but the feelings that you invoke when they read it. In general, our society seems to be quickly moving away from the handwritten word.

Most people enjoy receiving the handwritten card, but few actually do it themselves for other people. Every time you make a personal connection, you are networking. When someone goes the extra mile for you, send him a card. But when you send that thank you card remember to never, ever include your business card! The thank you card should be all about your gratitude, and never about pushing your business on someone who has not asked for it. The minute you include your business card, it becomes all about YOU and not the other person.

When loan signings started to drop off, I started another business that helps people to target market. Become an Appreciation Specialist and watch your businesses grow.

Reply by jba/fl on 2/21/09 10:57am
Msg #278334

Re: The Value Of A Thank You

Wow, Tina, you are soooo on target! I am so remiss sometimes in this fast paced world that I forget the handwritten note.

Thank you for the great reminder.

Reply by aanotary on 2/22/09 3:32pm
Msg #278427

Re: The Value Of A Thank You

I always tell my good companies how happy I am to hear from them, and thank them for the order and send a thank you email when my check arrives. Everyone wants a little appreciation! I also like to remind them that I enjoy working for them so much, that I don't mind traveling a little farther for the same fee-if they need me.

Reply by BrendaTx on 2/21/09 12:25pm
Msg #278338

So true! So true!

This is the best business tip I have seen on NR in a long, long time.