Create a card with a meaningful photo on the cover and include your client’s Core Deliverable as a caption.  This client was trying to figure out which Core Deliverable she wanted to use.  As we talked, I asked her if it had to be an “either/or” and she realized that one mirrored the other.  I found this photo and added the “mirrored” statements to the front of the card.

This client owns a Bed & Breakfast and has really put her heart and soul into it this family business.  I found this photo of the B&B on her website and created a birthday card from it.

A friend of mine is really into golf. For his birthday, I found a picture on the Internet with Tiger Woods and someone I don’t know. Using photo editing software I own, I cut Mike’s face out of another picture and covered the stranger’s face in this photo with Mike’s. He loved this card!

IDEA #3:  Send a meaningful sympathy card. 

My client’s niece was hit by a car just before Christmas and was unhooked from life support a month later.  She sent me a photo of her niece and I created a sympathy card from it.

Depending on the circumstances, a little humor can be the perfect remedy to acknowledge a mistake you made, and then move on.

IDEA #5:  Send a Valentine to those you care about.

Tell friends, family, referral partners, clients, vendors & service professionals you use how much you appreciate having them in your life.  This is a great way to build relationships!  Although I could have selected from the 250+ Valentine cards available in our system, I created this card from a favorite photo I have.

IDEA #6:  Send cards of to acknowledge important milestones.

Think of all the opportunities you have to celebrate with those you care about. Here are just a few such occasions:

--Promotions / raises

--Starting a business / selling a business

--Expecting or having a baby / adopting

--Getting engaged / getting married

--Moving to a dream home

--Graduation
--Having a breakthrough

This is a great way to build relationship -- by acknowledging those important milestones in someone's life and celebrating with them.

IDEA #7:  Send a Thanksgiving card.

Most people send holiday cards.  If you want to be a little different, send a Thanksgiving card instead.  Because I am an organizing/ productivity consultant, I decided to tie in that theme with my card last year…  The inside of the card said:  Wishing you all the abundance of the season... without all the clutter.

IDEA #8: Send a holiday card.

With our system, you can create a card for one person or for many people:

--The custom card on the left was sent to someone I met at a networking event in December.  I found her photo on her website and created this card. 

--The center card includes a photo of my daughter, and I sent that to those who know our family well. 

--The card on the right is a photo of my family, sent to people I know well who do not necessarily know my husband and daughter.

IDEA #9:  Send cards of appreciation to vendors & service professionals. 

It’s a great way to build relationship with vendors and service professionals you use.  When you remember them, they are more likely to remember you.  I sent this card to my carpet cleaner, Richard.  That’s me with my dog, who sometimes "marks" his territory in the house.  I created this card to thank the carpet cleaner for the great job he did cleaning and deodorizing our carpets.

IDEA #10:  Develop a Thank You Note habit.

This ideas below come from sales guru Tom Hopkins.  The power of expressed gratitude is immense. Put this tool to work for you today! 
Visit www.tomhopkins.com/article2.htm
for more ideas. 

Below are some of the ideas Tom Hopkins has listed to help you develop a Thank You Note habit.

1. Telephone contact. Thank you for talking with me on the telephone. In today’s business world, time is precious. You can rest assured that I will always be respectful of the time you invest as we discuss the possibility of a mutually beneficial business relationship.

2. In Person Contact. Thank you. It was a pleasure meeting you, and my thank you is for the time we shared. We have been fortunate to serve many happy clients, and it is my wish to some day be able to serve you. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call.

3. After Demonstration or Presentation. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to discuss with you our association for the mutual benefit of our firms. We believe that quality, blended with excellent service, is the foundation for a successful business.

4. After Purchase. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to offer you our finest service. We are confident that you will be happy with this investment towards future growth. My goal is now to offer excellent follow-up service so you will have no reservations about referring others to me who have similar needs as yours.

5. For a Referral. Thank you for your kind referral. You may rest assured that anyone you refer to me will receive the highest degree of professional service possible.

6. After Final Refusal. Thank you for taking your time to consider letting me serve you. It is with sincere regrets that your immediate plans do not include making the investment at this time. However, if you need further information or have any questions, please feel free to call. I will keep you posted on new developments and changes that may benefit you.

7. After They Buy From Someone Else. Thank you for taking your time to analyze my services. I regret being unable, at this time, to prove to you the benefits we have to offer. We keep constantly informed of new developments and changes, so I will keep in touch with the hope that in the years ahead we will be able to do business.

8. After They Buy From Someone Else, But Offer to Give You Referrals. Thank you for your gracious offer of giving me referrals. As we discussed, I am enclosing three of my business cards. I thank you in advance for placing them in the hands of three of your friends, acquaintances, or relatives that I might serve. I will keep in touch and be willing to render my services as needed.

9. To Anyone Who Gives You Service. Thank you. It is gratifying to meet someone dedicated to doing a good job. Your efforts are sincerely appreciated. If my company or I can serve you in any way, please don’t hesitate to call.

10. Anniversary Thank You. Thank you. It is with warm regards that I send this note to say hello and again, thanks for your past patronage. We are continually changing and improving our products and services. If you would like an update on our latest advancements, please give me a call.