I haven’t been around since the 19th, but I’ve kept these posts going in hopes of connecting with you who are still working through the holiday.
Since the holiday season is a reflective one, this week’s worthy tip will be, too. It’s a simple one – say thank you to your clients. While it’s too late for the holiday card, it’s not too late to send a New Year’s card, wishing your clients prosperity and thanking them for their continued business. If you’re inclined, you could add a one-time discounted rate offer, maybe attaching a deadline of two or three weeks out.
When was the last time you said thank you to your clients, excluding when you finish a project?
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I have a long-time client who was mentioning a couple weeks ago that he was always burning the rice and beans he makes himself for breakfast. 48 hours later, a rice cooker was delivered to his doorstep as a Christmas gift from me. He raves over it every time he calls, tells me what he cooked in it for dinner the night before (salmon and all kinds of good stuff – who knew?). I am thrilled to be able to give this client such a tangible thank you, and I know that he knows I really do appreciate his business.
I'm a chronic thanker. I love Eileen's rice steamer story. I've never sent anyone an appliance, but I've been known to supply a good bottle of single malt (wrapped in a promotional t-shirt, of course).
I think the idea of sending a card, etc. is rock-solid. Thanking is even more effective when, like Eileen, you've taken the time to get to know your client a little bit and can do something that has more personalized meaning.
Eileen, I think that's a terrific way to connect! You have a client for life, and you might even get a meal out of it. 😉
Carson, that's why her idea works so well. It shows someone who pays attention to the details. That's what I'd want in a writer, too.
It's been a while, and I'm glad you reminded me about the importance of thanking clients.
I have done this in the past with my main clients that give me the bulk of my business.
I say it with my holiday cards; I also keep in touch with regular, handwritten cards (as opposed to emails) throughout the year.
I sent holiday cards to all of the editors I've worked with this year, and a couple I haven't worked with for over a year.
I try to make a habit of thanking them for the opportunity to contribute to their publication or website. It only takes a few seconds and is so worth it. I appreciate it when editors send a quick e-mail thanking me for turning in a great article, so I like to think they feel the same when I show my appreciation for their faith in me.
Happy New Year, everyone. May 2010 be happy, healthy and prosperous for us all!
I sent thank-you cards to my clients just before Thanksgiving. It was an appropriate time, and I figured my cards were less likely to be lost amid all the Christmas cards they received later.