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In marketing, we call that room full of noisy people, “clutter.” Our goal is to avoid clutter so that we can be easily heard. Otherwise we have to yell pretty loudly in order to be heard. In marketing, this translates into spending more time, money or energy, just to get
same message out.
You want your marketing efforts to be as efficient as possible because generally that will cost you less money and time. Your goal should be to avoid clutter whenever possible.
In order to do this, you want to market where others are not, or when others are not. This might mean using different methods of getting your marketing message out than your competition is using, or putting your message out at a time when your competition is not marketing. This is not always possible, but you should take advantage of “clutter-free” times and opportunities whenever possible. And who knows, it might be just
reminder your customers need to re-visit your website or store, or pick up
phone to contact you. Are you wondering if you should send your Thanksgiving or thank you cards via postal mail or email?
I believe you should send special communications such as holiday cards or thank you notes via traditional postal mail. Email is fine for day-to-day communications and business, and many of us rely on it for quick and easy communication. However when you are sending out Thanksgiving cards (or any other holiday card or personal note) it is more than just communication. It is special and you want it to be received as such. When was
last time you received a handwritten thank you note, or a card that was hand-signed by
owner of a company that you do business with? Probably not recently. And that is
very reason I recommend you send a handwritten thank you note, or a card with a handwritten signature.
It costs
same as mailing a form letter or an imprinted card, but
value to
recipient is so much higher. It says you took
time to hand sign, or handwrite a personal message. To your customer, it says “they really appreciate me.”
So use email for your regular communication, but use postal mail when it comes to cards and any other form of special communication that you want to stand out. The value will be worth
extra time, effort and expense.
Give thanks to your customers this year instead of following
pack and sending holiday cards or gifts and see what happens!
(C) Copyright 2005 Debbie LaChusa, 10stepmarketing

20-year marketing veteran Debbie LaChusa created The 10stepmarketing System to help small business owners and solo-preneurs successfully market their business, themselves without spending a fortune on marketing. To learn more about this simple, step-by-step program and to sign up for her FREE audio class and FREE weekly ezine featuring how-to articles, tips and advice, visit http://www.10stepmarketing.com