This past week someone asked me if Appreciation Marketing applies only to clients. I repeatedly advise my clients that Appreciation Marketing can be expressed to everyone with whom you come into contact. This includes clients, prospects, employees, family, friends, and everyone else. Of course you would want to turn prospects into clients, and your employees should be contributors to the success of your business.
Your family members also need to know that you appreciate
them, along with your friends. All of these people should know what you do for
a living and how you do it. Your neighbors may know someone who desperately
needs what you have for sale. Your family members may also know someone who can
be a client. Both groups may never become clients themselves, but why exclude
them until they know what you have for the public. They are just like everyone
else; they may not become your clients, but they may know great prospects for
you.
Your employees are a vital part of your business and should
be considered and treated as such. They must know and believe that you
appreciate their work, their ideas, and their dedication to the success of the
business. They must practice Appreciation Marketing towards your clients,
towards each other, and to everyone with whom they come into contact. In
addition, they should practice it towards you and anyone else in the management
of your business. Appreciation Marketing must become second nature and a habit,
a very good habit.
Is there anyone else who we may have left out of the target
population for Appreciation Marketing? You should include every person, every
individual on the earth. Appreciation Marketing can apply to everyone whom you
meet, have ever met, or ever will meet. Why not? Appreciation Marketing makes
you a better person, even if they don’t expand your business client list. That
makes you better to know and work with for all the people who you know, whether
they are clients, prospects, employees, family, friends, or acquaintances.
If you buy coffee from a shop, thank the person who serves
you; if you ask directions, thank the person who steers you towards your
destination. When your employees speak with a client or prospect, praise their performance,
teach them how to improve, and praise their ability to learn. If a client
refers a prospect to you, thank them and maybe give them a gift. If someone
gives you a smile, give them one in return and thank them for their
graciousness. If anyone does not give you a smile, thank them for knowing them
and for their business, for their presence in your life, or whatever will
provoke that missing smile.
Opportunities for Appreciation Marketing abound each and
every day in our lives. Literally everyone with whom we come into contact is an
opportunity. Take charge of your life and practice Appreciation Marketing. It
will make you a better person, and karma will provide goodness back to you from
all around you. Your success will grow, and your gratitude will precede you in
your life.