There’s a woman on my business team who sends me a little surprise in the mail, just about every month.
A scrumptious pie here … an iTunes gift card there … a hand-written postcard … or a box of shimmery cosmetic samples. Nothing major or wildly extravagant. But every time one of her little gifts arrives, I feel totally loved up.
I didn’t hire her because of her gift-giving prowess, of course — that was just an added bonus!
But it got me thinking: little tokens of affection really DO make a difference — and they add up + strengthen bonds, over time.
Last week, we talked about loving the ones you’ve got — the followers and fans who are ALREADY part of your world.
Today, I’m sharing a few of my favorite ways to say THANK YOU to the loyal customers who keep you in business.
GIVE THEM: A Gratitude Video
Ever dream about starring in your own music video? Crank up the tunes + record a silly dancefest, read a silly poem, or belt out a GLEE-inspired pop ballad — just hit “record” on your smartphone, or use an online tool like Fotofriend.
At the very end, lean into the camera and say “THANK YOU!”
If you’re making a personalized video for a VIP client, say their name + drop in a few special details about what you love about ‘em.
They’ll freak out. I guarantee it.
GIVE THEM: A Challenge (or Celebration!)
A long, rambling e-book full of loosely organized thoughts? No schwanks.
A tight, focused 3-day challenge to help your customers with a highly-specific struggle? Yes, please!
Want to bring things offline? By all means!
Host a dinner party for your local VIPs, to celebrate their successes … throw together a free meet-up or mini-workshop in your community, especially for your long-time subscribers … or snail-mail a special treat to your top 10 most enthusiastic blog commenters of all time.
GIVE THEM: Something Personal
Ditch the cheesy promo items emblazoned with your logo and find out what your people really want.
I always ask my private mentorship clients what their favorite guilty pleasures are — and dole out personalized gifts, accordingly.
If the object of your affection loves beauty products … try a BirchBox subscription.
If they’re a total foodie + snack-a-holic … try Mouth.
Movie + TV addict? How about a gift subscription to Hulu Plus?
Budding philanthropist? Send them a Kiind card — they can claim a gift, or “pay-it-forward” to their favorite charity.
Major sweet tooth? Jeni’s Ice Cream, all the way. (They deliver pints to your doorstep!)
GIVE THEM: Your Words
Saying “thank you” in writing is always a classy move. Saying “thank you” in a handwritten note? Now that’s a power-move.
Design your own postcards at Moo.com — and keep a stack on your desk for impromptu love-notes.
At a loss for what to write?
Grab a copy of Alexandra Franzen’s unbelievably adorable book — 50 Ways To Say You’re Awesome