Does gratitude make for good business?
My answer is always yes! Every time you say thank you to a client, you are 1% closer to reassuring that they’ll come back for more.
I just had a real estate client write a glowing Yelp review. The type of review that will almost certainly get me another client on the next six months. When I sent him a note to thank him for the review, he replied, “You deserve it. And you always made us feel so appreciated. We’ve bought and sold seven homes in this marriage and this was by far our best experiences.” So guess what’s next? I’ll invite them to lunch, of course! In a couple of months, just to check in. But as you know, that’s also just good business. And I’ll bring a very simple gratitude gift. Next time someone asks them about their real estate or moving experience, the one thing I hope they’ll say is, “We sure had a great Realtor.”
If you’re not in real estate, you can still find a way to let your customers or clients know how essential they are to your success. My friends Guadalupe and Paula Goler are masters at this. They own Goler Shore Store in Santa Fe, and at least twice a year they put an extra goodie in my shopping bag. “This is something we picked for our special clients.” Guadalupe will say, and regardless of whether she’s giving them to everyone who walks in or not, I definitely feel appreciated. At Christmas, there’s always some sweet reminder from her, by email or in my bag, letting me know they don’t take me for granted.
How can you use gratitude to grow your business today? Here’s my quick idea – send a postcard celebrating someone who trusted you enough to spend time and money with you. More ideas coming soon! Gratitude can change your life and your business. And it’s FREE!
Thanks for checking in. I’m so grateful for you!
Bunny Terry is a native New Mexican who grew up on a farm in northeastern New Mexico. Her first writing job was typing stories on index cards on her family’s Underwood, stories that were uncannily like the ones she read over and over in O Ye’ Jigs and Julips, her favorite childhood book. No one thought to save those index cards for posterity, although there is the theory sarcastically circulated by her siblings that they will certainly be worth millions someday. 