Salesman: This computer will cut your workload by 50%.
Send Out Cards is not just for this time of year, however. It offers a vast service, allows you to upload personal images with a host of different greeting cards. What about if you send thank you notes? Expand to follow up notes. You can upload .xls contacts into a directory where you keep track of events, birthdays (why not company or contract anniversaries?) . Standing out is what it’s all about! Certainly, a handwritten note is better, but these days by the time you pick out a card, put a stamp on it and mail it ...... (well, do you actually send it?) it will cost more than what this service offers. Hands up to anyone who has dreadful handwriting? ‘Nuff said.
Office Manager: That's great, I'll take two of them.
Around this time, we start thinking about getting our greeting card list assembled, getting ahold of a printer, and all those fine time consuming tasks that in the world of automation, means you have to “do it yourself”. I liked the automation of "Send Out Cards" so much that I did sign up for distributorship because it is a total turnkey solution (including card, stamps, mailing). I was skeptical so I sent one to myself initially. Even if you don’t follow the “Christmas” tradition, many cultures and religions still engage the time to send personalized greetings to acknowledge the time that others celebrate.
Send Out Cards is not just for this time of year, however. It offers a vast service, allows you to upload personal images with a host of different greeting cards. What about if you send thank you notes? Expand to follow up notes. You can upload .xls contacts into a directory where you keep track of events, birthdays (why not company or contract anniversaries?) . Standing out is what it’s all about! Certainly, a handwritten note is better, but these days by the time you pick out a card, put a stamp on it and mail it ...... (well, do you actually send it?) it will cost more than what this service offers. Hands up to anyone who has dreadful handwriting? ‘Nuff said.
Every single one can be personalized. You can choose a simpler postcard so why not send one to a important C-level client that you have had a hard time scheduling an appointment inviting him/her to breakfast? (Most C-levels are early risers) ..... What about putting together a foursome for golf with 3 best other clients that compliment each other’s business? Don’t be surprised if they “talk shop” allowing you insights to their industry, changing regulations, industry trends. (Be careful that they’re not competitors). Ladies, I have taken some other lady clients to Plays. Note: I've written in previous blogs about "buying people's business". I'm referring to rewarding strong customer relationships, spending time with those larger clients or contracts (aka spending their money).
Another great idea I saw from way back, send a note with a coffee gift card that you can also select. Send it to someone you've had trouble meeting with saying the coffee is on you to schedule a coffee to find out what’s brewing in their world? Adding that you will call them on this date/time (make sure you DO call then!) to schedule. The example I suggested, may sound too catchy or corny … make it sound like you. Don't try similar wording if that isn't your persona. Adjust to the level of formality you convey. You may be pleasantly surprised by the positive reaction and that they may a) be waiting for your call; b) call back to confirm/suggest another time before you have a chance to. Send Out Cards allows you to use the return information similar to Realtors who post their contact information and photo.
Invited to an Open House? No problem. Take a photo of your host and you with your cell phone. Then follow up with a thank you with the image image of you both uploaded saying what a great time you had learning more about this or that. Don’t bypass vendors either! Vendors often get inquiries on service or products and oftentimes they are wholesale or trade. How would you like it if your thoughtfulness and inclusion translated into retail business referred to you? retail business to you. Speaking of Realtors ... imagine if they sent you a personalized card with the image of the home you visited at their Open House with a few of the specifications (price, square footage) and that you know of a few others in the area in the same price range, specs? That's a nice soft sell compared to being added to their calendar mailings isn't it?
Invited to an Open House? No problem. Take a photo of your host and you with your cell phone. Then follow up with a thank you with the image image of you both uploaded saying what a great time you had learning more about this or that. Don’t bypass vendors either! Vendors often get inquiries on service or products and oftentimes they are wholesale or trade. How would you like it if your thoughtfulness and inclusion translated into retail business referred to you? retail business to you. Speaking of Realtors ... imagine if they sent you a personalized card with the image of the home you visited at their Open House with a few of the specifications (price, square footage) and that you know of a few others in the area in the same price range, specs? That's a nice soft sell compared to being added to their calendar mailings isn't it?
Personally, I love the service. My sister had undergone tests that she was worried about, thankfully turning out OK. I sent her a card along with one of the poetry books selections with a mini-bath set as a “care package” to her. Another instance, I sent my Mother a Starbucks gift card with a "cheer me up". After that, she would call me when she used it to tell me which specialty coffee she tried (that she otherwise would not treat herself). Come to think of it, neither of them commented that it wasn't my own handwriting. Guessing more preoccupied with the thought.
The possibilities are endless .... seriously ... don't take my word for it. Go ahead and sign up as your own distributor to reap the benefits. Kinda like the Gillette commercial: "I liked it so much, I bought the company" ..... except in this case, you don’t have to! Oh .. and .... for Pete's sake don't put in there "in lieu of gifts this year, we will be making a charitable donation". Its been overused and sounds "cheap to me". If anything, have your team volunteer at a homeless shelter, or women's shelter and take a photo of yourselves in the act and include the photo of your team - now THAT would speak volumes.
"Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great actions speak to all mankind."