| One of the biggest issues my clients have is how | | | | theme on the front. We've also worked with |
| to break through all the marketing clutter | | | | clients to create mini vision boards using the three |
| (especially online) and really get their message to | | | | panel card option. |
| potential customers. My clients are coaches and | | | | I have another client who is a photographer who |
| infopreneurs who operate in a very competitive | | | | uses the cards not only to appreciate your clients |
| online environment. Their message needs to be | | | | - but also to showcase her photography skills. |
| heard by customers who can essentially choose | | | | Cement Your Partnerships |
| between hundreds of other people who are doing | | | | A solid business is built not only on having solid |
| the same thing. Their primary method of getting | | | | relationships with your customers - but also with |
| their message out is online marketing - but it is | | | | your business partners. Using a greeting card is a |
| greeting card marketing that helps them stand | | | | good way to thank (or even approach) JV |
| out from the crowd. | | | | partners and affiliates. It is also a good idea to |
| Most people expect to get plenty of e-mail from | | | | keep friendly relationships with your vendors and |
| businesses, they also are used to direct mail | | | | service providers. Sending a card now and then, |
| flyers. Clients and prospects don't expect to | | | | even just to say "hi" can really help make them |
| receive personalized, handwritten, full-color cards. | | | | feel appreciated. In a virtual world, sending a card |
| Cards are special and they get read. Cards with | | | | makes you or your client seem more "real" and |
| small gifts are even more appreciated. | | | | helps create real partnerships (very important in |
| Getting a card or gift in the mail makes a personal | | | | these touch economic times!) |
| impact and gives people a sense that they are | | | | Get To Know Your Local Press |
| appreciated. Incorporating cards into your client's | | | | It never hurts to have some friends in the media |
| follow up system is an "old is new again" | | | | - both in your client's city and with influential |
| marketing strategy that really boost your client's | | | | bloggers and online media reporters. Find out who |
| visibility in the marketplace. To help you out, here | | | | the local television, radio and news reporters. |
| are a few tips for helping your clients use greeting | | | | Read the paper, listen to the news, and if you |
| cards in their business. | | | | think an article is great (even better if related to |
| Send them to Customers/Clients | | | | your client's subject area), send the reporter a |
| The easiest and one of the best ways to use the | | | | card. They are used to hearing complaints. A nice |
| cards in your (or your client's business) is to | | | | card now and then never hurts. Investing in |
| simply start sending cards to your customers on | | | | goodwill with your local press can keep you top of |
| a regular basis. Customers don't expect cards | | | | mind when a story opportunity arises. |
| from the businesses they work with - especially | | | | Make Your Team Feel Loved and Appreciated |
| online businesses. Surprising them with a card | | | | Finally, don't forget to take care of your own. |
| shows goodwill on your part - it shows your | | | | Make your virtual team feel like they are part of |
| customers that they are important to you and | | | | the family. If you have a VA team, send them |
| that you want to continue to develop a | | | | cards on their birthdays, congratulate them for life |
| relationship with them. By taking the time to write | | | | events, send a surprise gift just to say "hi". Make |
| personalized messages in the cards and by | | | | sure your client sends cards of appreciation to |
| sending them "just because", you will grow your | | | | their team (OK - don't send gifts to yourself on |
| loyal customer base. Card sending has paid off for | | | | your clients behalf) but, make sure that they |
| my clients and for me. I have a very high | | | | remember to send appreciation to their |
| retention rate in my virtual assistant business. I | | | | bookkeeper, web designer, life coach, etc. |
| think this is partly because I send cards and gifts | | | | I am a true believer in what you give is what you |
| to my customers on a regular basis. | | | | get back. By helping your clients to give by |
| My coaching clients also use the system to create | | | | reaching out to clients, associates, and team |
| and send customized cards that reinforce the | | | | members, you are helping them to build up |
| work they do with clients. For example, one | | | | positive good feelings in their business which will |
| coach has their clients come up with "themes" for | | | | ultimately result in better relationships and more |
| the year. To reinforce the message, we custom | | | | sales. |
| designed cards with a beautiful picture and the | | | | |