Small Business Marketing - Magic Business Words - "Thank You"

We may be connected to everyone via the Internet, blackberries, smart phones, bluetooths, Facebook, Twitter and yes....Blogging! But there are basic proprieties that will get you far and move mountains in the small business world.

You need to master the Magic Business Words....Thank You!
Simple. To the Point. And yet they can make miracles happen. Most people remember what's most recent so if the last interaction you have with a customer or supplier is offering sincere gratitude - they will most likely remember "she was friendly" or "he appreciates my work."

So how do you apply it?

1. Send a thank you card to your customer after they've bought or used your services. It's all about that lasting impression. This is a cheap way to put yourself in front of someone again (Remember, everything you do is marketing when you're a small business owner) plus throw in a couple of business cards - you never know when they might make a referral.

2. Send thank you cards to people who refer you. They just did the leg work for you and brought in business, you need to acknowledge and thank them for it. It might be a good idea to throw in a gift card (and more business cards!) to show your appreciation. People who refer are gold mines. Don't neglect them.

3. Don't forget your suppliers or vendors. These are the behind-the-scenes crew that help make your business work. I have a printer I use who gives me rush turnaround for free whenever I need it all because I went above and beyond to be nice in the beginning. It's important to acknowledge quality service when you're a small business. Send a thank you or letter of recommendation to the big wigs of the company you buy from. Think of how much your account rep will love you if their boss gives them a raise for the review you wrote. It's all about karma here folks. Good begets good.

4. Send a thank you for no reason. Yes I just said it. What about a customer who hasn't been by in awhile or a portion of your database that you've been out of touch with? Send them one of those "Thanks for being you!" kind of cards and then tell them that you appreciate their business. It might be the reminder or push that sets you apart from your competitors and brings them back. No one can criticize sincerity. Can you imagine..."Yes that John Smith at ABC Widgets has such nerve, sending me a thank you card for no reason." It's will always be in your favor.

Something you should avoid if possible:
Bulk mailing. I actually dislike those letters that look like someone wrote the address and then realize it's bulk mail. If you can, hand-write all thank yous. The more personable the thank you, the more lasting is someones memory and the more sincere it makes you. Remember, this is a cheap way of marketing so put in a little elbow grease and work the writing fingers.

The payoff can be BIG!