The Softest Sell of All

No doubt you already know you can and should do this. This article is to remind you to do it, because it is important.

"It" is using this time of year to say Thank You: Thank You to your current customers; Thank you to your recent clients; Thank You to those who met with you but did not hire you; and Thank You to those former clients of yours whom you haven't even heard from for years.

Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful to God for what we have. But it is also proper, important and good to thank your clients for their business, for their support, for their interest and at times even for their friendship. Some people will accomplish this by sending a "Holiday Card," although I see nothing wrong with sending someone a Christmas card. But you don't have to wait until December. Get on jump on many of your competitors by sending a Thank You card - - or even better, a handwritten personal note of thanks - - in November, then send your Christmas card for a more friendly touch in December.

This gets your name in front of your best and possible best future clients in a very low stress, meaningful way. It is important to be sincere, to say thanks because you really mean it, and not just because there is personal or business gain in it. But both goals can be accomplished simultaneously.

So don't just send a safe, glossy, politically correct holiday card. Tell people you appreciate the chance to work with them...and that you are hopeful of working with them again next year. Say it in your own words....but for heaven's sake, say it. It is important. Do it now.