At lunch today Tommy Wyatt related to the audience of business owners advice his grandfather gave him: “Just kiss the girls who are leaning toward you.” Sage advice not only in the romantic arena, but also when pursuing the wide world of prospects and clients out there. In his talk at the noon Network Plus group run by Lisa Iselin and Valerie Aloisio, Tommy imparted other wisdom that was simple and practical.
He is a proponent of Appreciation Marketing which also happens to be the title of his book (along with co-author Curtis Lewsey). What had me take my pen out right away was Tommy telling us that he googled that term–appreciation marketing–and that nothing came up. That’s such a great way to name a new niche. He knew, as we all know, that everyone in business can benefit from showing appreciation to our clients and colleagues; that having top-of-mind awareness is a fundamental business-building tool.
In this world of instant everything, how much does it mean to you when someone actually makes the effort to reach you by phone to say, “Happy Birthday” vs. being one of hundreds on facebook to do the same? How about the hand-written thank you versus one that’s texted? Tommy gave example after example of successful business owners (Mary Kay, Jack Mitchell, Tom Hopkins) who built their empires on appreciating their clients.
What I most agreed with was the very good feeling acknowledging others’ generosity does for person acknowledging. Being on the lookout for who to thank alters your mindset and spirit on a daily basis. Hmmm, who do I need to thank today? Tommy Wyatt. What am I grateful for? My assistant Amelia’s agility in handling the multiple and varied to-do’s on my list for her. How will I let these two people know? Personalized cards expressing these sentiments.
I plan to implement this form of marketing more and more starting now. Watch your mailboxes for my appreciation of you!
Hey Jane!
Thanks for listening and for your glowing recap. It was a true pleasure meeting you today. And thank you for the copy of your book as well. Can’t wait to read it!
I Appreciate You!
Tommy
Such good advice! Who doesn’t appreciate personal acknowledgement?!
Years ago I read about a woman who kept a stack of blank, stamped post cards in her handbag. It was then easy to dash off a quick thank you note or reminder at the moment she thought of it. Whenever I get in this habit, I am so happy to have the system in place that makes it easy for me to share my appreciation in a timely and personal way.
Thanks for the reminder to put those cards back in my bag!
Terry
@Terry
I sent out two cards this morning and feel better already. I’ll be interested to hear how you do with your newly re-instituted system.
@Tommy
You’re inspiring! Thanks for writing.
i appreciate you-your blog-your wisdom and sharing of the entrepenurial spirit
@Elaine
Your comment is a great example of appreciation with nothing sought in return. That was one of Tommy’s messages. When you’re expressing appreciation, no ads, no business cards, no great rates on mortgages 🙂 . We were all laughing in recognition…
I couldn’t agree more! I am practicing appreciation marketing since I attended a seminar about send out cards in my hometown. Appreciation marketing is just a simple act of kindness that many businessmen in the us have never think of. They might not realized that by even just focusing on client retention, they can obtain new clients through referral from their loyal customers.