The Power of Thank You

I recently bought a new dryer from a friend of our family. I’ve known this guy for a few years and immediately thought of him when my not-quite-five-year-old-top-of-the-line dryer caught fire. I knew he was the guy to help me sort out what is truth and what is fiction about household appliances in 2008.

I learned a lot from him. I learned that the particular brand of dryer I owned had been bought by another company because it launched a new system that had not quite gotten all the bugs worked out. I also learned that he trusted the latest editions of the same brand because of all the updates and safety testing, and that he would sell his own mother the same dryer.

So I bought the dryer, for a great price. It was delivered and installed, and it is working just fine. But what I learned more than anything during this whole experience was that my salesman friend knows how to say thanks. He mailed me a handwritten thank you card. Nothing fancy, mind you – no imprints or monograms, although there’s nothing wrong with personalized stationery. This was just a nice white card with his heartfelt thanks for giving him our business. I felt appreciated.

And then, guess what I did? At the next possible opportunity, within two weeks of receiving that little note, I recommended him to a friend of mine, who happens to be a doctor who had the same original brand of washer and dryer that caused the whole problem. “Go, ” I said,” see my friend. He’s a great guy and he knows what he’s doing. He’ll fix you right up. ”

Since that time I’ve sent several other friends to see my appliance guy. Now, I may have done that anyway, but his taking the time to write that thank you card sealed it for me. I’m on his team now; I’ll send him all the business I can.

When was the last time one of your clients went out of their way to refer you to a prospective customer? When was the last time you went out of your way to thank your clients for being loyal customers of yours?

Take a few minutes and actually write a thank you. Don’t email it and don’t get the staff to do it for you. Hand write it, seal it, and mail it. You may find yourself reaping the rewards of that small act for months to come!

Use this Rosewood Pen for elegant thank you notes!