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If you’ve ever taken a class with me or participated in my Business-Boosting program, you know I’m a big believer in the power of handwritten thank you notes.

I know this may sound like your mother talking, but they really do work! And you can do them in less time than you can imagine. I’ll show you how.

First, in case you doubt that they are important, or that they really make a difference, read on…

Ninety nine percent of the mail we get is computer-generated and easy to dismiss, but a handwritten note always gets opened.

Everyone likes to feel appreciated.

Your clients will remember your thoughtfulness and professionalism. And they’ll remember you the next time they are ready to place an order.

Ok, I know this sounds like a great theory, but here’s the proof.

I recently sent a short handwritten thank you note to a client. Someone who has very little time to talk to me – you know, a busy corporate person who just wants me to get the job done and do it right.

So you can imagine how I felt when I received this note:

“It was a real treat to get a note card with a personal message written in ink! There is just nothing like it. It reminds me of my mother-in-law, who was a wonderful woman and who was especially fond of those of us who knew enough to take the moment necessary to put pen to paper. Thank you very much for your note, Rosalie. I appreciated it.”

I got a thank you for my thank you! Plus, two nice size orders and a request to submit a proposal for more items.

Most of your clients won’t take the time to acknowledge your note, but don’t think they don’t appreciate it.

And here’s even more proof:

I recently was visiting a client’ s office and saw my thank you note tacked to the bulletin board above her computer (something she looks at every day.) Talk about “in your face” recognition and free advertising! She liked the note so much she hung it up!

So, have you thanked a client today? Here’s how to get started:

• Purchase some nice quality notes with your company name or your name at the top. Many of our promotional products stationery suppliers may be able to help you with this.
• Keep your notes in a convenient place so that they are always available.
• Keep your favorite pen next to your notes – you know the one you enjoy writing with – to make this easy and pleasurable.

Ok, so now that you know you should do them, how do you find the time?

Set aside 30 minutes a day to write your notes.

Carry thank you notes with you when you travel. Waiting to see a client? Write a thank you note. On hold for a phone call? Start a thank you note. Use your “down time” constructively.

When should you send a note?

• After you meet a prospect for the first time.
• When an order is complete and shipped. (For multiple orders from the same client you may wish to send just one note, but always do a thank you phone call no matter how many orders you’ve sold them! And for really large orders, a handwritten note is a must.)
• When you get a referral. (If you want to continue getting referrals!)
• When someone has helped you.
• Anytime someone’s actions have made a difference in your business or life.

Since we’re all in the promotional products business, you may wish to include a small promotional gift item with your thank you note.

What do you say?

Just be yourself and be sincere. I know it’s a cliche, but it’s the thought that counts.

And if you’re still stuck for thank you note ideas… my NEW Ultimate Business-Boosting Program includes thank you ideas you can easily duplicate, plus hundreds of strategies and case histories to increase your sales, hours of audio, an ongoing support forum, monthly teleclasses and a personal coaching session to get you started.

This week’s question: Are thank you notes important? Do you use them? Do you enclose a promotional gift with them?

Respond to this post by clicking on the comments bar below and I’ll send you a FREE Special Report to help increase your sales.

© 2006 – 2013 Rosalie Marcus

Want expert help growing your promotional products business?  Click the link to preview the programs and products created to quickly and easily grow your promotional products sales. 

Not sure which program or product is right for you? Contact Rosalie for a brief, no obligation, personal consultation. Reach her at Rosalie@promobizcoach.com

Rosalie Marcus, The Promo Biz Coach ™ is a promotional products business expert, coach and speaker. Combining her skills and years of experience in promotional sales, she helps her clients sell more at higher profit margins and dramatically increase their incomes! Get a FREE special report: 10 Big Mistakes Promotional Professionals Make and How to Avoid Them and a FREE Skyrocket Your Sales audio download at http://www.promobizcoach.com. 

Reach her at Rosalie@promobizcoach.com or 215-572-6766.

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