Holiday Gifts and Cards Strengthen Relationships

Will you send customers a thank-you gift or greeting card this holiday season? Have you decided how to express your gratitude to customers this holiday season? I asked this question last month, and time’s drawing near for decisions.

Yesterday, a Christmas card catalog arrived by mail, and the day before, I received a catalog with fruit and nut collections to send to customers as appreciation gifts.

As solo marketers, we’re charged not only with making everyday decisions to keep the revenue growing but also selecting items that thank clients for choosing us.

In 2005, I reported on an American Express survey that revealed that 19 percent of responders planned to send their clients nothing, not even a greeting card. I haven’t read any updates to the survey, which included a list of popular gifts.

Cards are selected for some of my customers, and I’m waiting for additional items to arrive from a local manufacturer. Some clients will also receive business card-sized coupons for complimentary services throughout 2008.

It’s a smart move to make contact, in whatever form, with clients anytime between Thanksgiving and New Year. That’s what keeps them motivated to buy from you and refer your business to others.

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