Six years ago I produced my first newsletter at the suggestion of my then Operations Manager, Renee Perrin. Providing this free service is the best thing I have done to keep in touch with you... my valued clients. You have probably noticed over the many months of receiving my newsletter that I try to keep it simple and concise. I also stick to a consistent and therefore, familiar format.

The idea is to offer you value while continuing to keep my name (and face) in front of you with the hope that you will think of me when you need training facilitation or products. And it’s working pretty well. It’s not uncommon to receive a call from one of you saying that reading my newsletter reminded you of “yada yada” and so you are calling to see if I can assist. Or a call saying you had a need and when my newsletter arrived you were reminded of the products and services I might provide to help solve an issue.

This process also helps me to grow my contact database by offering free subscriptions from our web site.

So, what are you doing to stay in touch with your priceless customers? Are you offering something of value to existing and potential new clients?

There are numerous ways to stay in touch with your clients. See if any of these fit your needs:

• Produce a monthly newsletter (of course!)
• Free tele-courses on topics of interest to your customers. Example: A hotel could offer a tele-course on valuable travel / vacation tips.
• Offer a discussion board where clients can ask questions and get answers on topics important to them and related to your industry.
• Sponsor an “Ask the Expert” column on your web site and archive all the questions and answers.
• Offer free services like assessments and/or online greeting cards from your web site. Be sure to advertise the free services in your newsletters and in the signature block of your emails.
• Consider sending a Thanksgiving card or gift instead of a Christmas or other holiday card or gift. It is an appropriate time to thank your customers for their business, plus you beat the traditional holiday rush of cards and gifts.
• Try to call key clients monthly or quarterly to touch base. It’s a great opportunity to re-connect with customers and get updated on what’s happening both personally and professionally.

Click this link to learn more about the video-based customer service program, Who CARES? I Do! Using Emotional Intelligence for Service Excellence.