Give the Gift of Truly Caring About Your Customers

Over the past few weeks I have been seeking something to give my best clients as a token of my appreciation. The holidays come once a year and are a great opportunity to give to, rather than ask from, our paying customers.

Having decided against cookie bouquets or those squeezie toys that look like computers, I thought about what I could do or say personally that would actually mean something to my clients. I tried to think of gestures or remarks that demonstrate to my customer “I truly care about you and your business.”

I finally settled on exactly that. I called each of my important contacts and left a sincere, personal voice message telling them I really care and thanking them for their business and their friendship over the months/years.

Surprising to me was my clients’ response in a busy holiday season: Many actually called me back and expressed to me things I hadn’t heard before from them, things like their appreciation for helping them in their business, my personal service and other kind remarks. A nice gift for me!

For customer-facing professionals, there’s no better feeling than delivering a solution that really improves the well-being of a customer and being paid a decent wage for it. When you truly believe that your products and services can help people better themselves, their co-workers and employers, you end up doing better yourself. Similar in concept to my recent post on “Business Karma”, really caring for your customers pays dividends beyond the financial. It actually helps you prospect better and enjoy your job.

So don’t forget to show you care through word and deed. You may be re-inspired by reciprocal affirmations which may turn out to be your best executive gifts of the season.