You Had Me At Hello!

This statement is true in so many ways!

Relationship marketing starts when you first say "hello."

Isn't it true an impression is made with the first 'Hello,' and the know, like and trust factor is developed ongoing?

Building relationships when meeting someone in person or online in this digital era is critical!

Look at it this way:?Creating relationships should make up 80% of your marketing, and transactional marketing should make up 20%.

You only have a few minutes to get to know what this new prospect/customer is all about, and this is where relationship marketing starts:

• Who they are
• What they do
• Their passions
• How you can serve

With that said, it's super important to listen to your new prospects and learn everything you can from them! Be silent and hear their story; this is the most critical time spent.?

Take mental notes on what this person shares with you, and here's why…

Everybody in business knows that?the fortune is in the follow-up!?If you never follow up, the relationship will end as fast as it started.

Here's a proven strategy to get you started with relationship marketing:

1. When you first meet, listen and let them talk about themselves.
2. Collect their information, such as phone number, email, mailing address, and birthday.
3. Remember to set up your next meet-up.
4. Follow up with a quick text telling them, "Thanks, it was nice meeting you, and I look forward to our next appointment."
5. Send a heartfelt note in the mail stating things they shared with you.?(They'll be surprised you took the time to send a card and that you cared enough about them to listen.)?Also, remember to remind them of your meet-up date.
6. Call them a few days ahead to remind them of your appointment and ensure it is still on.

Lastly, relationship marketing should continue even after they become a client/customer; it must be ongoing!

To stay top-of-mind, I recommend a strategy of at least 3-5 (if not more) tangible touches!

I call it?appreciation you can touch, done with snail mail; yes, you heard right!

Here are some ways to do this with greeting cards:

• Birthday
• Anniversaries?
• Holidays
• Nice to meet you
• Thank you (a must)
• Possibilities
• Sympathy

The bottom line is to appreciate and celebrate those who do business with you. Clients will not only bring you repeat business but also bring their friends with them.

Stay tangible.

P.S. Upcoming holidays & events to celebrate with a heartfelt greeting card.

• Mother's Day
• Graduation

If you don't have a SendOutCards account, consider the?10 Card Challenge.

Cultivate your personal development, build on who you are and take action to not only change your life, but change the lives of others.