Archive for September, 2009

08
Sep
2009

How many ways can you say “Thank You” to someone in your business? With customers or other people you do business with, it could be a lost art 2086641_23234fb0f8form for you, but potentially a great way to reconnect or even solidify your relationships. I remember early in my sales career, my manager said I should keep notes all day in order that I be able to recall and then write a note of thanks to each of the people I encountered. It seemed like homework initially, as some days this list would be exceed 30 notecards, so my stationery and postage budget did get quite large at one point. Some how though, this simple gesture began to pay off: people would remember me when I’ve arrive at their office weeks later, or I’d make friends with people just because of a short, funny note I sent them. Over time, though, email got the better of me, and I have relied maybe too heavily on dropping an email note instead of the handwritten variety. Thanks doesn’t stop with notecards and can take on all kinds of forms, large and small. Here are some ideas that you can use online, to supplement your scribed-to-paper ones:

  • Gift card
  • Downloads
  • Make mention of them in your blog
  • Provide comments on their blog
  • Refer them to a colleague
  • A phone call
  • A delivered cupcake with a note
  • E-card
  • A public note, like on Twitter, without the Follow Friday or other reference
  • Delivery of food to their office for breakfast or lunch
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eggoReading Seth Godin’s post entitled, “Pay for Stuff”, triggered a peeve of mine I’ve put off writing about: people trying to get something for nothing. Don’t get me wrong, being frugal and seeking a good deal for your business is smart and I’m a proud supporter of the open-source school of thought and whole-heartedly believe in testing before I purchase. There are some, though, that think purely of what they can grab for free, with little if any thought on the cost, time and effort put into the making of such things.

So, here’s a thought: If you want people to continue to make the sweet apps you enjoy downloading for free, make a donation once in awhile. If you really love the way a free version of a web app is helping you invoice clients more easily, consider upgrading to the paid-version that suits your means. Two things happen when you do this: you encourage the developers to continue bringing these fun, useful tools into the game, and (2)you make a financial commitment in your business that says, “Yes, I’m worth it and I’m giving back.”

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Those that know me know that I’m a big proponent of giving of your time and talent when and where you can. There is a local outfit that’s tuggl_logotaken this to a whole other level: may I introduce tuggl.com You’ll get sick of hearing about them from me honestly, that is unless you see the value in their work and light bulb goes off, which if you’re reading this blog, means you know what I mean – and you dig it.

But enough about them…and me. Check the piece below to see what they’re doing this week to help non-profits and other businesses in the Denver/Boulder area, and see what you can do to replicate this in your community. And a question for you: Where’s the best place for the economy to get spurred? Right at home. Read on:

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