Recently, I attended a networking event for my company. The speaker
that night spoke about good networking practices. One of the practices
she referred to was making sure to follow-up with everyone you meet at
these events. She aptly referred to it as “pinging”.
The word “ping” takes its name from a submarine sonar
search -- you send a short sound burst and listen for an echo or a
“ping” coming back. So, in networking terms, when you send
out a ping, whether with an email, a phone call or a hand-written note,
you’re inviting that person to “come back” and
communicate with you thus beginning a relationship with that
person…one that will hopefully benefit you both long term.
I always make it a practice to send out hand-written thank you
notes to everyone I meet at these events. I like hand-written notes,
because they’re a physical manifestation of your company (your
brand) to that potential client, strategic partner or referral source.
A hand-written note sets the tone for your company. Hand-written notes
also differentiate you from most other businesses. Ask yourself when
the last time you received a hand-written note from someone you met at
a business setting was?
Quite simply, hand-written correspondence is a wonderful way to
build your business. When I say build your business, I am not just
referring to acquiring new customers. I am also referring to keeping
the customers you have!
According to a study conducted by the Technical Assistance Research
Project in Washington DC, 68% of customers leave because of
“perceived indifference”. In other words, customers
don’t think you care about their business. As Sir William Jones
said, “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be
appreciated”. Our customers and clients want and need to be
appreciated, remembered and thanked.
Another great advantage in sending a personal note….people
tend to keep these cards. Whenever I receive a nice note from someone,
I display it one my desk for awhile. Every time I see the card, I am
warmly reminded of that person or business.
So, when should you send a hand-written card to someone? Here are a few suggestions:
* Every time you meet someone new and get their contact information
(i.e. a networking function, a business meeting, a training session, on
the plane, a social party, waiting in line at the grocery store, etc.)
* When a customer makes a major purchase from you or sends a referral your way.
* When you embark upon a joint venture with a new company.
Here are some other suggested but not mandatory times to jot a quick note:
* A birthday greeting to your clients and associates.
* A congratulatory note when you hear about something great that
customer or business associate did. For example, one of my customers
published a new book, so I sent her a congratulatory note.
* If you see an article that might be of interest to that client or associate, send them the clipping with a quick note.
* An encouraging note to members of your staff or team.
Remember, every card is a “ping”. It is likely that your message will echo back to you in some way soon!
Writing a hand-written note does not have to be a difficult exercise!
When networking, make it a practice to take notes about the people you
meet on the back of their business cards, so you have something to
reference when you go to correspond with them.
Hand-written notes should only be 3-5 sentences in length. In other
words, be short and to the point. If it is your first correspondence
with this person, remind them where you met and what you do for a
living. Thank them for taking the time to speak with you and perhaps
suggest another meeting. Make sure to enclose another business card.
Your personal correspondence should be written on high quality
stationery. Remember, your stationery represents your brand. If you are
a veterinarian for example, a note card with a cute dog might certainly
be appropriate. If you’re an image consultant, you might want
something more refined and sophisticated. Personalized note cards with
your name and/or company already printed on them are great for
establishing a consistent brand or image. Make sure to give your
correspondence that extra personal touch by hand-addressing the
envelope and using a real postage stamp.
Set aside some time every day to write your notes. I prefer to do
this practice at the end of the day. It gives me time to reflect upon
the day and allows me to give this practice my undivided attention. It
also helps me to end my day on a very positive note…energy which
transcends to the following day.
For remembering customer’s birthdays, I have created an Excel
spreadsheet with my customers’ names, addresses and birthdays.
Once a week, I refer to this sheet to remind myself of the birthday
notes I need to send out for that week.
Don’t get me wrong, emails, instant messages, phone calls and
the like are all wonderful communication tools! However, taking the
time to write a hand-written note really sends the message that you
care and you have taken the time to think about your relationship or
potential relationship with that person. Those 3-5 sentences can make a
mighty impact. And, that ping will come back to you in the mighty echo
of increased opportunity. Grab your pen and stationery and get writing
today!
About The Author
Dream Press is an online personalized stationery boutique that offers
unique and affordable personalized note cards, notepads, labels, candy
wrappers and more. Dream Press also offers a Small Business Section
with personalized stationery products specifically for the small
business owner. Kristine resides in Wixom, Michigan with her boyfriend
and 6-year old son Benjamin.
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Distributed by Hasan Shrek, independence blogger. Also run online business , matrix, internet marketing solution , online store script .
Beside he is writing some others blogs for notebook computer , computer training , computer software and personal computer
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