When you think of marketing, what is the first thing that comes to mind? For so many small business owners I meet, they name tactical approaches like social media or newsletters first. Offline forms of marketing are often named later, such as networking or events. I tend to find that it is the things we do in between that can have a big impact – from how we follow up all the way to gifting! Let’s talk today about the role of gifting in your marketing plan.
No matter what business you have, chances are that there are people out in the world who have made a difference for you. It could be top clients, great referral sources, advocates in the community, other businesses. Hopefully there are a number of these difference-makers out there who have been a part of your journey.
You may already realize the value there is in doing consistent, continued outreach to your contacts. If not, read here! But that outreach can come in many forms.
It never hurts to send a message to check in on how someone is doing, and there is often good cause to reach out and ask a question or make a pitch. But have you ever thought about the role that acknowledgement plays in your follow-up with your contacts? What would happen if you acknowledge the difference-makers in your orbit?
What would happen if you acknowledge the difference-makers in your orbit? #relationshipmarketing #smallbusiness #smallbiz #business #biztips #entrepreneur #marketing
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Acknowledgement can be as simple as just sending a thank you email, card, or text. When your bottom line allows for it, consider the impact that gifting could have!
Think about how you feel when you receive a thank you gift, especially when no call to action is made or strings are attached. It establishes goodwill. It is a nice surprise. It goes beyond being a reminder of the gift giver. It makes you feel something. When you send someone a gift on behalf of your business, you just might be making them feel a positive feeling about your brand.
When people take big action for your business, it may be worth it to look into your budget to see if you can reward them in a meaningful way. A thank you in any form is special, but the more effort you put in, the more it may be noted. Imagine the ripple effects this can have! If someone is feeling good about your business, it may inspire them to take another helpful action. Even if they don’t, the goodwill is out there and is part of the association with your brand.
It is the special touches that make people remember you and want to be part of the community around your business! #smallbusiness #business #biztips #relationshipmarketing
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So, as you consider what type of outreach you can do to follow-up with your contacts, ask yourself if gifting is an element that is worth adding to the mix. It is the special touches that make people remember you and want to be part of the community around your business!
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