There is no place where it is more important to show gratitude than in your referral marketing activities. Letting people know that you appreciate what they have done for you makes it easier for that person to refer you again.
I find that women are so much better at thanking others for helping them than men are. Why is that? A hand written note or a small token of appreciation, hands down women are most effective at showing appreciation.
So, the rest of this article is for the men. Say thank you to the people who refer you, thank those who connect you to the people you want to be connected to. Systems like Sendoutcards make it easy for you say thanks. You can create a card, add a little gift if you want and send it out, all online. It takes all of 10 minutes, but the return is 10 fold. If you don’t want to use Sendoutcards come up with a system of your own, make it a habit.
People want to be thanked, people want to be appreciated, when you take the time to let people know how much you appreciate them, you will win over and over again.
Hazel M Walker, owns three award winning franchise’s. She is a 10 year owner of two BNI Franchises where she teaches members how to leverage their time and network to build each others businesses. She is also a Referral Institute franchise owner and teaches Business Owners how to harness the Science of Referrals to develop Referrals for Life. Hazel is a published author in New York Times best sellers Masters of Networking and Masters of Sales. As a member of the National Speakers Association she travels the world speaking to businesses and women’s organizations on the topics of networking to create a life you love.
June 2nd, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Hazel that was a great article and dare I say – true! The thing that men business owners really should remember is that when a referral is made, it’s like a gold mine for their company. Saying “thank you” can be uncomfortable if you “don’t have the words” or “don’t know how” – some people have a hrder time than others showing their feelings & thats ok…simply utilize whats out there to help you! Sending a card a gift or flowers still says a huge thank you and you don’t have to verbally say anything – write it. Also – you don’t have to be a poet to say what you want to say! You can simply write the words “thank you so much for your referral” and your name, that will do it. Whats more, if you can’t think of what to say – some companies will do it for you – I recently sent flowers to someone for their birthday through a large online flower service and the lady said “do you know what you’d like to say on the card or do you need suggestions?” I know what I wanted to say, but that was nice. Thank you’s are really necessary and will continue to bring in business if your thankfull for referrals, and show it. So, I’d say get comfortable with saying and/or showing “thank you”. You’ll be glad you did!
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Yeah, and women complain a lot more than men. So I guess it all evens out. I don’t how women come up with this stuff. Seriously. In all my experience I’ve haven’t noticed a lack of any in either. And believe me, appreciation is a trait I highly value.
Do you women go out and just dream up of any way to take shots at men? Do you actually sit there and think, over a cup of coffee, what you can nitpick about next.
“So, the rest of this article is for the men…”
You have a lot of nerve. Do you get paid for this?!? Hell, I WANT a job! Or do think ya’ll could handle it…?
Thank you,
Nolan 2:44 P.M.
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:46 pm
ANd explain the time difference. I just did that as a test cuz I was trippin’ out on the other ones. Are guys, excuse me, people in Japan or something? Seriously. I’m interested.
Thanks,
Nolan 2:46 P.M.
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:58 pm
“Sending a card a gift or flowers still says a huge thank you and you don’t have to verbally say anything – write it. Also – you don’t have to be a poet to say what you want to say”
How many men get flowers and cards from women? Ya’ll are just taking this to the next level. Hell, I bet you if a guy thanked a woman twice like that, he’d sued or fired for sexual harassment! Is this the way you want to dominate?
Well let me drop some knowledge on you:
You know the best way for men to get rid of a woman they don’t want in the office. No, you’re wrong (I already go your mentality figured out.) They simply: bring in another woman.
They’ll kill each other off,like two angel fish.
You notice at Wal Mart, how they have those poor fishes in separate little cups, individualized? That’s why. Draw the analogy.
Ya’ll sell us men too short. Yep, pointing fingers when ya’ll are your worst enemies many times over. Men ain’t perfect; we sure as hell have our hang-ups. And women, well, I’m just gonna stop right there.,,
Thank you.
Nolan 2:58