Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine MOMENTUM November 2019 | Page 12

MARKETING
SOMMER KIBBEE
Vernon Graphics & Promotions
832-274-5245
www.myvernon.biz/brianstottlemyer
It’s Not Just Business,
IT’S PERSONAL
W
here have all the gestures of
gratitude gone? The small things.
The personal touches. Random
acts of kindness? They say it’s
just a sign of the times, but is
that really true? We can’t blame everything on
technology. We choose not to. We’ve stopped
making an effort- stopped taking the time. If we
want to keep our business relationships personal
by offering more than a website can offer, then
we need to make them personal. Whether we’re
the ones selling or being sold to, it’s NOT just
business, it IS personal.
Notes & Messages
It takes little time at all to write a little note
and drop it in the mail. Aren’t our best customers and
business acquaintances worth 3 minutes and 55 cents?
Most of us spend far more time and money than that
standing in line for coffee every day. A handwritten
note is one of the oldest and most sincere gestures of
kindness and it’s such a lost art that people are extra
tickled to find an actual note in the mailbox these days.
Whether you’re thanking a customer for their business or
thanking a salesperson for going the extra mile, make it
personal.
Dates
While some of us have an old school planner and
some of us prefer to “sync” our life schedules, most of us
keep a calendar. Making a note to remember important
client birthdays and anniversaries is just a pencil mark
or click away and it means a lot to be remembered on a
special day. Birthdays, anniversaries, and grand openings
all de-serve some attention. Try sending a message the
night before so they know you were thinking of them
after work hours. “I hope your promotional products
make a lasting impression at your Grand Opening
tomorrow!” And don’t fret if you’re a day late, your
greeting will stand out from the multiple timely messages
your client received. “I’m so sorry I missed your birthday
yesterday! I hope you had a wonderful day!” This sort of
message makes you seem human, yet sincere.
Follow-up
Whether it’s a survey or a personal phone call, courtesy
goes a long way. It means you care about the service
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MOMENTUM
you’re
providing beyond the monetary
transaction. This is beneficial to both parties. The client
feels cared for and the business or salesperson receives
valuable feedback and one more opportunity to connect.
This is a two-way street. If you loved a product or service,
follow up with your salesperson. Let them know that the
product they recommended was a huge hit and you look
forward to working with them again in the future. If you
truly care about your client, ask them if they received
their product on time and if they were satisfied with
the quality. Even if the product was just mediocre, your
service will still get a gold star.
If you think to follow up, then take the time to actually
do it. Good customer service never goes out of style.
Connect
Be sure to like and follow both your clients and the
companies you do business with. Not only is social media
an excellent way to connect, but it’s also a way to keep
up to date on promotions and important dates. Although
not as personal as a phone call, a social media message
is the next best thing. A moment out of your regular day
to just check in or send well-wishes. If you see an event
coming up, recommend products. On the flip side, you
might see special offers or discounts codes that are only
available on social media.
Don’t be afraid to use social media as a marketing tool.
Just keep your personal life and your professional profile
separate.