Appreciation Marketing The Key To Customer Loyalty
So What Is Appreciation Marketing? Kody Bateman says that, “Appreciation wins out over self promotion every single time.” There are many different types of Marketing, Internet Marketing, Network Marketing, Relationship Marketing, Viral Marketing and Social Marketing to name a few. We live in a Google World of instant gratification were everything is done faster and faster and many are missing the boat on the basics – Appreciation Marketing.
We business owners can be compared to Indiana Jones, we have the passion, the drive and motivation to grow our businesses and Customer Loyalty is the Holy Grail for the success of every business large or small. Customers are loyal because we appreciate them…that’s it in a nut shell. I have lived in my current house for 12 years now and I will be calling my realtor the day I am ready to move. WHY? Because I bought two houses from her in the past and received a nice house warming gift each time. I get holiday cards, a calendar every year and from time to time a call just to say hi, how ya doing.
68% of customers who “leave”, do so because they didn’t feel appreciated.
If you want to grown your business with countless referrals and repeat business you need an Appreciation Marketing Plan that you are committed to. Saying thank you is not something that should be pushed off – you need to be a Champion of Thank You. Mary Kay Ash founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics built a billion dollar Cosmetics Empire based on Appreciation Marketing…being thankful – she taught her philosophy to all of her sales reps – Send out three hand written thank you notes each and every night before bed.
Joe Girard is a Champion of Being Thankful. What was his secret?
He built and maintained relationships. Joe used to send 13 cards to all his prospects and clients every year. One every month and one for Christmas, he created a place for himself in the brains of his prospects and clients by keeping in touch with them. He made sure that he was in peoples’ minds when they had to buy a car. And that is how he sold an average of 6 cars a day, everyday.
How Should You Say Thank You?
A face to face thank you should be your first choice, but if you are like me many clients are out of state and a face to face thank you just doesn’t always work. A phone call would be my second choice backed up with a simple Greeting Card. NEVER ever leave a thank you voice mail, send a thank you email or text a heartfelt thank you to your clients, take the time and effort to do it right.
Saying thank you in person or by sending a Greeting Card is great, but if you really want to go to the next level you should send a gift – it doesn’t have to be a Ferrari, a simple cup of coffee, some flowers, a gift card and ah the every reliable Box of Brownies will really get your message of appreciation across.
Thank someone today – think of somebody that you need to show your appreciation to and just do it – today, not tomorrow, not next week TODAY! Appreciation Markeing can change your business.
To Your Success!
Tim Somers
Send Out Cards Distributor
Contact Me Here
Love It! I started using SOC in November. It is a great tool for my business. I recently wrote a Blog Post on Appreciation Marketing.
http://wmjhartman.com/day-19-appreciation-marketing/
Bill
Hey Bill – Thanks for the comment, going on three years for me in SOC – started using as a tool for my promotional products business then about 8 months ago I started promoting as a business opp. It’s amazing.
Tim, looks like you have learned well the SOC system. Makes things so much easier doesn’t it. Keep on keeping on with this great content.
Thanks Nelson, yes, wish I had access to SOC twenty years ago when I started my business – what a tool!
.-= Tim Somers´s last blog ..A Follow Up System To Use After A Networking Event =-.
Tim,
I totally agree with you, appreciation is the key to good marketing, good business and good relationships in general. When I’m doing couples counseling, one of the first exercises I give each couple is an appreciation exercise and it makes a world of difference. You are preaching to the choir.
Thanks so much,
Adam
.-= Dr. Adam Sheck´s last blog ..Ever Wonder, “Why Are They Together?” =-.
Hey Dr. Sheck – that is so good to hear – I didn’t even think about it on a personal level…off to appreciate my wife of 22 years – THANKS!
.-= Tim Somers´s last blog ..A Follow Up System To Use After A Networking Event =-.
Hey I appreciate this post……and am reminded i need to go send out a card to someone i appreciate very much..appreciation is such an important life lesson and can see how vital it is in relation to marketing and interacting with clients as with all our other relationships, Am with the good Dr. Sheck on this!
Thank you,
Johneal
.-= Johneal Rouse´s last blog ..7 Ways to Turn around a Difficult Day =-.
Hi Johneal, it’s a great feeling – try doing it once a day…it’s addicting.
Hi Tim,
This is a great little reminder for everyone. I was just reading an attraction marketing post and this was a great follow on post. I think Appreciation marketing should go hand-in-hand with attraction marketing.
Feeling important is something we all crave, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you are at in your life we all want to feel appreciated. The ideas that you’ve given us in your post are brilliant, I’d love it if, as a client, someone did it to me so I think I’ll have to start appreciating others! Your Real Estate Agent really has it worked out, it’s a genuine connection she has with you, why wouldn’t you go back to her!
Thanks for sharing.
Lynn
.-= Lynn Glaser´s last blog ..Business vs Busyness =-.
Those who jump to conclusions often land in ignorance.
*:- I am really thankful to this topic because it really gives great information –:
Excellent post!! I really like your site!!
Your post hit home with me. I have just started my own customer appreciation program and I love to see posts from like minded people