Previously we discussed the theory that Appreciation Marketing helps any
business build their client base through showing networking partners that you
care about their success and well being. Appreciation Marketing teaches us that keeping
your current clients is cheaper in time and money than only looking for new ones
to replace those whom you lose due to their perception that you have been
ignoring them and their contribution to your success.
In other words, show your clients, prospects, acquaintances,
and everyone that you meet your appreciation for what they do for you, and for
others, and you will gain their loyalty. You will also gain their referrals of
others, even if they themselves may not be clients. It is just good business
and helps everyone involved.
There is another group of people whom we need to include in Appreciation
Marketing, your employees. These are the people whom you trust with
the interworking of your business, either on site or in remote locations. They
may be your only coworker, or they may be thousands in locations that you very
seldom visit. They are as much a part of your business’s success as anything
else that you do or say. Your clients contribute to your bottom line, and your
employees make that happen.
Do you have a program to recognize personal events in the
lives of your employees? What about their birthdays, marriages, anniversaries,
children’s events, or even their illnesses? Do you recognize the referrals,
either for new clients or new employees, that your current workers have helped
bring aboard? We have in the past said that your clients’ anniversaries of
becoming a client should be recognized; how about recognizing an employee’s
anniversary of employment?
I spoke once with a realtor who indicated to me that she
never expressed appreciation for anyone. I asked her about the receptionist in
her office who made sure that callers’ messages reached her when she was not in
the office to answer their calls. I asked her if she ever thanked her for being
there when people called and for delivering their messages. Her response was:
“That’s her job”. Yes, it is, but I believe that everyone should be recognized
and appreciated for what they do.
Employees should be shown appreciation, not for the fear
that they might sabotage our business, but because it is the right thing to do.
Just like our clients, prospects, and others that are “outside” our business,
we need to recognize those that work towards its success from within. Without
them, you would not be the successful owner that you are, or can be.
The most valuable assets of any business are your clients,
your inventory, your facilities, but also include your employees. Like your
clients, and prospects, your employees are people, just like you. Treat them as
you would yourself, even your family, perhaps even better. After all, Appreciation
Marketing starts at home, and that includes in your business.
Please leave me your comments about appreciating employees. You
can also call me at 360-314-8691, or email
me at Jim@SOC4Now.com. Appreciation
Marketing applies to everyone; employees
are a part of everyone and can affect our business’s bottom line just as much
as clients, prospects, or anyone else. Treat them well, and they will treat you
well.
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