When to Say Thank You to a Client

 

Your mom probably taught you the importance of saying thank you – do you apply that lesson to your client relationships? It’s obvious and easy to thank a client after a sale, but business communicator Andrea Nierenberg discusses the value of being in front of clients  and prospects frequently, and lists other times to say thanks:

• When a client or prospect compliments you – complements can be hard to come by, so be sure to say thank you when one comes your way.
• When a client offers comments or suggestions – that suggestion may be telling you what would make them a happier client, or make them buy more, so thank them for the input.
• When they say “no” - even a rejection deserves a “thank you for your time” note to keep the relationship courteous.
• When a customer recommends you – a referral from a client is powerful, so always go back to the client and thank them for the referral.

It’s a busy world, and it’s easy to let little things like this get away from us but these small touches can make you memorable. Nierenberg also recommends taking 15 minutes at the beginning or end of the day and write three short ‘goodwill’ notes: one to a prospect, one to a client and one to a friend. Do this and you’ll have made 15 ‘goodwill contacts’ at the end of the week and 750 at the end of the year. Think about all of that communication and what it could do for your sales – and your friendships. Read the rest of Nierenberg’s suggestions at Manage Smarter.