4 Ways to Stay Connected and Give Back to Your Clients and Customers

Have you received a call recently from a client or an advisor asking, “How are you doing?” or worse—you were the one making the call? Now, more than ever, that “call” is happening whether it’s, via phone, email, or text (you name it!) The problem is everyone is doing it. In Sandler, we are taught to do the opposite of what a typical salesperson would do, so why are we doing this?

Here are a few ideas we here at Sandler believe you could use to continue to: stay connected, give back, and provide value to your clients and customers. While reading through this list, you may think, these are obvious choices; however, reflect on the last time you did any of these. Take a look at your CRM, when was the last time you did something for your client without expecting something in return?

1) A “Thank You” video for their business: First of all, if you don’t write handwritten thank you notes to your clients and customers, you will now have five items to add to your toolbox. It’s a lost art and a small message to let them know you care. However, if you want to make a splash and do so in a way that you’ll be remembered, video is a great way to do it. I had a client do it for me the other day, it took them 5 minutes, and it was an excellent way to start the morning. Most computers have more sophisticated cameras and microphones than ever. If you’ve never done it before, that’s ok; you can start now. Plus, if you have a little mess up on the screen, most people will see it as authentic.

2) Give a Testimonial or Referral: This is an easy giveback. Let them know about the great job they are doing or have done by giving a testimonial in any way they prefer; a video for their website, LinkedIn Recommendation/Endorsement, a Google Review, etc. Another easy give back is by giving them referrals. More than likely, a referral given is a referral you will get in return. Make sure you know what their ideal client looks like. If you don’t already know this information as their trusted advisor, now is a great time to ask.

3) A Gift Card to a Local Boutique or Restaurant: I love this one because you can give to them and the local community. A lot of local communities and local chambers of commerce do a gift card for local businesses. It’s like every other gift card you’ve ever used, except local businesses only take it. The companies have to opt-in, but it’s a great way to give back to your client and the community. I was in my local chamber offices about two months ago, and a business owner walked in to buy $500 worth of cards. The owner looked at me and said, “We have to give back.” He’s right! Call your local chamber offices to see if they have a program similar to this. If your client isn’t in your local community, call the chamber they are in, you’ll be surprised what you find out. If they do not already have it something similar in place, give them the idea. You might be helping a lot of businesses going this route.

4) Connecting them to the 2020 Census: I cannot take credit for this one. However, I thought this was a stroke of brilliance. I was included in an email in which referenced completing my household Census form online, with the link included for my convenience. The census affects every state for representation in the House of Representatives as well as federal funding, so everyone must get counted. You are doing your clients and yourself a disservice by not filling it out and helping your state with funds. These funds will assist you and others in your business and a fantastic way to stay connected. You could also be thanked for helping others do their “civic duty.”

This is not an exhaustive list. However, I hope it starts getting the juices flowing concerning how to reach out to your clients and customers in a new way. Maybe you have an idea that you’re doing that you would want others to hear about. I would love to hear from you, reach out to me directly at greg.coyne@sandler.com, or find me on LinkedIn. Tell me you read this blog and would like to connect and contribute. This is another way to give back, both to the business community and me. Thanks for reading!