The Most Effective Way to Stay in Touch

Happy New Year! I hope the beginning of 2008 has been productive for you.

When most people consider marketing, they focus on attracting new clients. This is a very important aspect of marketing, but communicating with your past and current clients is equally important. Repeat business and referrals from past clients are the best leads you can get!

If you have not been consistently keeping in touch with your past clients, right now is the perfect time to consider a client newsletter. Whether you choose a print or e-mail newsletter, it is the most efficient and cost effective way of reminding your clients why the love you and how much they value your services. A newsletter showcases your expertise and well as establishes your credibility.

Here are the most important features of an effective newsletter:

1. Consistency - this is the most important feature. The newsletter must have a consistent look and be sent at regular intervals.
2. Interesting Content - The articles must be short, interesting and contain information useful to the reader.
3. Effective Design - The design (layout and graphics) and the articles must be balanced and easy to read.

If you are interested in a newsletter to send to your clients, we can help you! Our services range from creating a template to maintaining your entire newsletter including content. Contact us today to talk about the best solution for you!

Are You Too Late?

2008 is almost here - have you sent your client appreciation gifts? Don't worry , you have time! End of the year gifts are always appreciated by your clients. A thoughtful gift with a personal touch ends the year with a positive feeling which can cement your relationship with a client. "But", you say, "there is no time, Christmas is here!" Thankfully, there are many things you can do for the New Year that are just as effective as Christmas or Holiday cards. And they avoid any religion-related missteps.

1. Happy New Year Cards - Thank your clients for their business in 2007 and remind them to use your services in 2008.
2. Thank You Cards - Simply thank your clients for their business in 2007
3. 2008 Calendars - Everyone needs a new calendar and there are many useful alternatives to the wall calendar that your clients will find useful.
4. Champagne - Toast to a profitable 2008
5. Host a Client Appreciation Party or Open House - After the hustle and bustle of the holidays, client will appreciate a party they have time to enjoy.
6. Gift Certificates - Satisfied clients are your best referral source. Offer them discounts on your services or rewards for referrals.
7. Donate to Charity - Many charities are bombarded with gifts over the holiday season but struggle through the rest of the year. A year long commitment in the name of your clients will help charities in need and show your true character.

If you need help brainstorming for ideas, contact us. We'd love to chat about your business, your clients and your plan for 2008.

Opportunities in Times of Change

Crazy things are going on these days. Many industries, especially those tied to mortgage lending, are experiencing a lot of changes. In times of uncertainty, many businesses react by scaling back their marketing. It seems like an easy way to save money until things pick up. But how can business pick up if you disappear? Times like these present two great opportunities to cement relationships with your past clients and to gain new clients.

1. Become a trusted lifetime advisor - Even if your clients had great experiences when they worked with you in the past, they may not remember you for their next transaction. By educating your past clients about current events and offering your consulting services, they will immediately think of you the next time they need your advice.
   
2. Fill the void - As your competition scales back their marketing, hundreds of potential customers have no one to shepherd them through the confusion. Show them that you provide the best service in good times and bad and they will become loyal customers.

There are many affordable ways to stay in touch with your clients and take advantage of this turbulent time. Call or email us today to talk about ways to communicate with your past and future clients.