Thank You Notes
The value of thank you notes - hand written ones - should not be under-estimated.
You've spent a great deal of effort cultivating that great client of yours, one you've wanted to work with for so long, and they've finally entrusted you with your first assignment. After you've delivered the images, and the invoice, what's next? Thanking them for the assignment!
The Washington Post this morning has a short story that had a huge photo illustration of various stationary types - Putting Your Stamp on the Mail, which starts:
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"There's nothing quite like sorting through a seemingly endless pile of bills, credit card offers and catalogues and unearthing an unexpected prize: a handwritten envelope addressed just to you."So true. We send out thank you notes all the time, letting our clients know that we appreciate not only the assignments, but even being considered for the assignments we didn't get.
Find a local stationer in your community, and go in and get some attractive and professionally printed thank you notes done. You could just get generic cards, but why not go the extra step and have them printed with your name - or better yet - your company's name, on them?
Send the card along with a complimentary print, or a book you think a client would enjoy, or even by itself just to express your appreciation for the opportunity to have worked with them. Above is one we sent out this morning - simple, and to the point.
Go ahead, it's really easier than you think, and gratifying as well.
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7 comments:
We send thank you notes to everyone who buys a photo from us at art & craft shows. We try to send a card with a photo related to the one they purchased.
It always surprises me how many people stop by at a later show and thank us for the card - and buy a larger copy of the photo we sent them on the card.
Patty
My friend Harley, a successful writer, describes thank-you notes as the secret to his success, and that's definitely been my experience as well.
My rule for thank-yous is simple: When someone hires me, when someone gives me a gift, or when someone invites me to their home, I send a thank you. And, when someone goes to more effort on my behalf than the amount of effort it would take to write a thank-you note, I write a thank-you note. Even if it doesn't result in more business for me (and it usually does), it's the right thing to do.
Notepaper is cheap, but good karma is priceless.
Taking the time to write by hand on nice stationery demonstrates how much you value the recipient. The personal touch of writing by hand enhances the meaning of the words written on the page.
E-mail takes relatively little effort or time, and does not convey the same sense of appreciation or respect.
Smart photographers tell me one should first take the OPPORTUNITY to check the spelling of what one writes on the thank you note, lest one look as stupid as I.
Grace is missing in our lives.
By showing Grace and thanking our clients, we act and show that we are professional.
We also connect as people.
A handwritten note is a rarity in todays world.
Slow down folks. Think about all the craziness of our lives. A little hand written note can be the difference between you and the next person.
Hmm...cant see my comment. So post again.
Great site
Thanks for author
I will return again
to post something else
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