8 Business Benefits of Implementing Greeting Cards

If you own a business, then you're like the masses - always looking for new customers. Today everyone's advertising on social media in efforts to land new sales.   

It can become overwhelming - endless tweets, texts, posts, pins, and e-mails. Perhaps you've experienced how exhausting and time consuming that really is. 

The internet's a powerful tool to reach the masses, but if all you do is pitch your sale and never appreciate your customer, they won't come back, so you begin the whole process all over again.

Although technology continues to change the way we do business...

 the core need in every person, will NEVER change - to be noticed, celebrated, and appreciated.

If we desire to stay in business we must fill this need. Lets face it, referrals come from good relationships.  

We see a massive inundation of ads all day long. Television commercials used to run about 15 seconds. Now it's the norm to land on a 45 minute infomercial. The internet is non-stop. It's really just overcrowded with selfish nonsense!

Everyone needs a break from the traffic jam of cyber hogwash!
If you've got something to sell, you might want to consider a different approach.

The missing ingredient in the marketplace today is love and appreciation. 

A Better Way...

"Appreciation will win out over self promotion every single time." 

- Kody Bateman, CEO and founder of Sendoutcards

What are the benefits of using greeting cards in business?

1) It benefits your business, and more importantly, it benefits other people. People like to be noticed and celebrated. It's human nature.

2) Sending out kindness strengthens your relationships which results in repeat referrals. 

4) You become a better person when you're filled with ongoing gratitude. 

5) You will not be forgotten. People never forget a kind gesture.

6) You will reap back the kindness that you've sown.

7) Honor your employees and you'll never have to worry about turnover, plus they put in twice the effort.

8) People will never forget how you made them feel. You're at the top-of-mind when it comes to a business recommendation.

Start caring about your customers and they're start caring about you. :) 

Technology has now merged with high-touch- so you can easily send a real greeting card right from your computer, smart phone, or tablet. 

(We're here to help if you need us) 

 Start sending today. 

The Secret to Saving a Ton of Money On Advertising

Are you advertising like everyone else? Want to know the "secret" of being chosen over your competitor?  It's really not that hidden.

It's doing something different, and doing something that everyone craves the most- appreciation. 

Everyone wants an influx of sales, but few know how to treat their clients. Every ad out there is targeting new clients. But going after strangers isn't always the right approach.

Because truthfully, traditional advertising e.g., mailers, newspapers, magazines, and digital marketing all cost a ton of money, yet aren't producing a greater return on your investment.

It's a given, nobody likes pushy sales people. Do you ever toss unwanted ads in the trash? Everybody throws money away, by throwing out those ads.

"44% of junk mail is thrown away without being opened or even read." - (Business 2 Community 2012)  That percentage was evaluated 4 years ago.


Are lengthy email "commercials" flooding your inbox? Nobody wants to be sold to all day long. It seems that some of this may be a time waster. Because only a small percentage of people will take action inside an e-mail solicitation.     

So let's get down to "what works" and what will save you time and money on advertising. It's time to shift our thinking.

We all need to make a living, but in order to have ongoing success we must "make a giving". One day you had a dream of owning your own business and becoming wealthy. Not only wealthy, but somewhat free. Now that you're in business, your constant focus is acquiring ongoing customers to bring in that "dreamy" income.

The "net-breaking approach" to marketing is this: Break out of your normal habit of self-promotion as a way of gathering customers, and implement a self-less approach such as:
 Appreciation Marketing. 


Selfish advertising says:

Come buy from me!
Special discount if you bring a friend!
We're the best! We beat the competition hands down!

Self-less advertising says:

We appreciate YOU!
Happy Birthday to YOU!
Congratulations on the birth of YOUR new baby!
Enjoy the Brownies- we value your business :)

Traditional sales ads are all about them, but the consumer is not interested. The consumer will only get interested when that business gets interested in THEM.

HOW TO GET CUSTOMERS TO REFER YOU>>

When you begin to show genuine appreciation to your current clients and customers and make it a lifelong habit, you'll see your sales skyrocket because of ongoing referrals.

Here's the strategy:

#1) Get serious about appreciating the people who buy from you.
#2) Do something for these people.
#3) Don't forget these people.

Hopefully, by now you're interested in learning how to implement an effective "relationship marketing" plan of action. Relationships are built by trust. We've found that Sending cards is a perfect fit. 

The system we use takes the "work" out of sending cards. 
Visit the website to send a free card. 

"A new customer costs 6-7 x more to aquire than an existing one does to retain." 

Does Your Church Send Greeting Cards?

Most churches reach out to the community in many various ways. The verb minister means: To serve, care for, assist, help, treat, and tend to.

Many churches cater to people on the outside, which is good, yet something's missing within the church. 

Nurturing relationships inside the church is a good place to start.
Relationships are key to any organization. 

Seasons in life that are difficult to bear can be intercepted with kindness! We've found that greeting cards are an exceptional way to express love, encouragement, and appreciation.

Not only should we send follow-up cards such as: "nice to meet you," but also as a means to stay in touch with your church family.  

 Encourager- 

"One who inspires with courage or confidence; who edifies with hope, support and spiritual assistance.  A person who comforts the wounded. One who fosters stimulation to keep on running."

Does your church send cards? If not, now is a good time to start. One greeting card has the power to change a life. Your card can arrive just in time- people like to know- they matter.

People are drawn by hunger, and they hunger to be loved. 

Usually "first-timers" will sit near the back because they don't know anyone. Pay attention to the back row! And pay attention to those who are sitting alone. Approach them and greet them! 

We all need a handshake, a hug, or a friendly "hello." but even beyond that, people actually desire a bit more. We can give more with a simple, sincere card.

We are His "hands and feet." Go the extra mile and send a card. We have an incredible system to help you do this. 
 How about $1.00 per card? 

How to implement a "greeting card ministry"...

Gather (legible :) information such as: current address, birthdays, anniversaries, date of salvation, baptisms, and or other special dates, and names of children etc. 

Set up your account, and simply enter names into the "Contact Manager." Which is something we offer for free. (You only pay for your cards and stamps)  our free system keeps track of birthdays and sends reminders. It also allows you to schedule a card to go out on a specific day if you'd like.

Browse the online catalog and choose a pre-made card or customize your own. You can even put your church logo on the back side of the card if you'd like.

HERE'S WHERE IT GETS REALLY ...REALLY GOOD...

After you finish creating your card, you'll go through the checkout. Next you click on the "SEND CARD" button. NOW... you don't have to do anything else. Because your card gets printed, stuffed, stamped, addressed and MAILED for you!

SEND ONE FREE.

Pastor Appreciation
Church Anniversary
Revival Meetings
Prayer Meetings
I Appreciate you
Happy Birthday
Thank You
Sympathy
Baptism
Graduation
Congratulations
Praying for you
Thinking of You
Get Well
AND MORE!!

Traditional Advertising vs. Appreciation Marketing

If you're in business then you already know that it takes money to make money. But how much money does it take? Let's take a look at two different forms of marketing.

"Ways to sell your stuff."

Traditional Advertising such as newspaper ads, direct mail, digital ads, and buying leads can be very expensive, and depending on how frequently your ads are run, you can expect to pay for it again and again. $$$

These traditional marketing techniques, the kind most of us use, are not bad ways to market, but they're super expensive, and unless you've got lots of money to throw around, forget it. It's pretty much like gambling and hoping for a win. 

You're betting on a certain percentage of your target market seeing and responding to your ad. But a large number of people will ignore your ad, don't see it, or toss it in the trash. Unfortunately, this type of "gambling" happens everyday.  Business owners put money into ads with no guarantee of a return on their investment- they only hope to keep their customers and get new ones. 

Let's look at a much less risky form of advertising. 

It's called Appreciation Marketing.
Understand this, it's not necessarily how much money you invest in your business, but it's more about how you do it. 

If you "throw it" out there to the unknown- you may or may not see a return. But if you specifically target it towards the customer base you already have, you will definitely see a return. 

Appreciation Marketing cost less, and it's way more effective. It takes away 90% of that "gambling" scare. It's a win-win for all involved. 

Showing appreciation to your customers, will gain you at least 2 more. Your customers will become "referring machines." Instead of you spinning your wheels trying to promote yourself, you will have satisfied customers out there referring you automatically!  

It's true, "People don't care how much you know unless they know how much you care." And, in the words of Zig Ziglar, "If people like you, they'll listen to you, but if they trust you, they'll do business with you." 

We have tons of examples and numerous testimonies that prove what we are saying. (People love to be appreciated!) Referral based marketing is the art of someone selling for you!

When you pay close attention to the customers you already have, they will pay you back in referrals. 

We offer, what I believe to be the best system out there for Appreciation Marketing. We send cards and gifts.  

Visit our website to see how you can become an Appreciator today. Let your customers know they're valuable and experience a win-win in your business and in your personal life. 

Realtors, Want to Hand Over More Keys? ... Secrets To Getting Referrals on Autopilot

Buying a home is the most important purchase we'll ever make. After all, home ownership is part of the American Dream."The house with a white picket fence." Well, not everyone needs the white picket fence, but everyone needs and longs for a place to call home. 

For the first-time home buyer, it's especially important. And since real estate is such a big (decision) investment, the Realtor is equally important. Who should they work with? 

Truthfully, real estate agents are "a dime a dozen." There are tons of them and they're not hard to find. So how can they find you?

WHO THEY'RE LOOKING FOR:

Someone that comes highly recommended. How can you become the person they are looking for and more importantly, the person they will boast about and highly recommend to others? 

Let's face it, after you sell "this house," you'll have to sell another. And another, and another. You already know that. How long do you want to wait between sales?

Do you want to hand over more keys to more home owners this year? Start "handing over appreciation." A valued client will become a lifelong client. When you begin to implement "appreciation marketing" into your plan of business, then your business plans will change. 

The world is a big place, a big selling ground. Many Realtor use this "Appreciation Marketing" system and they love it! It brings satisfying results on both ends. 

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou



You can become a top producer and get you the results you're really looking for. We can help you get started. Visit our website. Let's connect and actually change the world- one card, one act of appreciation at a time. When has kindness ever failed? 
  
SEND A FREE CARD HERE.

Photography- 5 Ways to Ensure You Get Referred

You love what you do and your darn good at it! You have the ability to capture life at it's greatest moments and make them incredibly beautiful!

You've entertained clients and witnessed their joy with your finished product- each one being "a masterpiece." Your profession is unique. It creates memorable, long lasting impressions but like most, you struggle to reach more clients. This is where we can help.

If you want to stand out in your niche market, you must do something quite different than the others. 

The bottom line is, we all want more referrals. Here are 5 ways to ensure your name will be at the top of mind when it comes to you and your photography business. 

People will go out of their way to promote you, when you:

1) SEND A "THANK YOU" CARD WITH A PHOTO OF THEM.

This might seem like an obvious gesture, but how many people do it? Be creative- use a photo from their shoot they haven't yet seen. I guarantee they will never throw that card away. 

(Place your logo on the back of these personalized cards) 

WHY DO PEOPLE LIKE GETTING CARDS? 

Because people love to be appreciated and celebrated. 

2) Send your client a card and BROWNIES for their birthday. 

Our system keeps track of addresses & birthdays & allows you to send brownies & other gifts.

Would you remember your photographer if they sent you brownies and a card for your birthday? I really think so.  Would they tell someone about you? More than once. 

WHY IS THIS EFFECTIVE AND WORTH YOUR TIME?

Because people love to be appreciated and celebrated. 
(And you want referrals.)

3) Send out cards with special offers and or promotions.

Our cards are an inexpensive way to use direct mail advertising. You have the option of customizing a card with your offers. You can also set up any card to be mailed whenever you want them to go out. (Our system mails them for you, it's about a dollar a card plus a stamp) 

WHY THIS WORKS: 

Because people love to be appreciated and celebrated. 
Because there is always an upcoming event like a wedding etc. and your promotion will stand out the most. They will recommend you to someone or they will call on your services again for themselves.  

4) Send out holiday cards throughout the year, not just during Christmas.

There are many holidays that warrant a card. If you want to be remembered, the best way is to remember them. Cards put you (and your profession) at the top of their mind.  That means your name comes up first when they converse with others when the need arises for your service. 

I think you can see by now, "why this works." 

5) Take your photography business to the next level! 

Our system allows you to put your images on canvas or create personalized calendars, coffee mugs etc. These make great gifts as well as something you could market to them. 

Being nice to your clients is the normal thing to do, why not go beyond "nice" to being extraordinary.  

For more information on creating custom cards and having us mail them for you, visit our website (or send a free card) at:

www.sendoutcards.com/getcardednow

The Fortune is in Relationships (The Follow Up)

If you're in any kind of business, you've most likely heard this phrase: The fortune is in the follow up. 

We all know that to be true. If you want to get a response or a decision from anyone, you need to FOLLOW UP. 

Now, FIRST of all, the person that you are following up with- aka...the "follow-up-ee" (yes, I made that up) is not only responding to your offer, but perhaps they are responding to YOU. 

You may have heard this statement: "People are not rejecting you, they're rejecting the opportunity." This is true in some cases, but not all. Because there is also another element here, and that is your 
RELATIONSHIP with that individual. 

"PEOPLE do business with people they KNOW, LIKE & TRUST."
So, in order to see more results in our business, we need to do 3 things.

1) Get to know people. What do they like and enjoy? What are their goals? 

2) Get them to like you. Be genuine. Be patient. Be kind.

3) Earn their trust. Become trustworthy. Be honest. Be real. 

YES, following up is essential, but having a good relationship with that person is key.


Without the follow up, there can be no "step two."  Because of today's busy lifestyle it's seldom to have a prospect that will take action without some sort of follow through. 

This will not only remind them of the beneficial aspects of your product/service, but it will remind them of YOU. 

When you meet with someone, whether for business or pleasure, it's proper etiquette to thank them.  Everyone likes to be appreciated and valued. 

You can enhance relationships both personal and professional by becoming an APPRECIATOR and practicing APPRECIATION.

One way can be to Send a thank-you card. Tell them you enjoyed meeting with them. Give a genuine compliment and be sincere. This will set you apart and you will be remembered.  

Follow up with a greeting card and get results. Do you know how easy and effective this is?  

What if... you had a "relationship building system" that helps you build relationships?

What if...you started sending real, heartfelt cards? AND -you don't have to address the card, stamp the card, or even mail the card? 

What if...

You had a system that keeps track of addresses and important dates such as birthdays, anniversaries etc?

What if...

You just pick out a card or create one, then just sign it and click SEND?  (Ask me about the "magic" of the "send" button)

THAT'S HOW SENDOUTCARDS WORKS! 

This is an effective follow up (relationship) system that puts your name at the top of mind. 

How would you feel if you were on the receiving end and got a card and a box of brownies in your (real) mailbox? Actually, your head would be spinning. Because most people don't reach out in kindness like that these days. (But you're not like most people)

I personally love our system! I'd like to help you succeed in relationships and or business. I invite you to visit my website and take a look. There is also an option to send a free card and try it out.  
SEND A CARD TO SOMEONE YOU APPRECIATE TODAY.

HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?
   
.98 cents each plus a stamp! WAY LESS expensive than any store, and very HIGH QUALITY! 

(and remember- they are mailed for you, that's insane!!) 

The fortune is in the follow up! Your real fortunes will be those lasting relationships that flourish.
By the way, if you're looking for referrals- they will come naturally.

Click on the link below:
www.sendoutcards.com/getcardednow  

FOR MORE IDEAS AND CREATIVE OPTIONS, CHECK OUT MY NEXT POST:

THERE ARE MANY REASONS TO SEND A CARD!

THANK YOU!

Build a Flourishing Business Through the Simple Art of Being Kind

Whether you're a physician, a beautician, a franchise owner, or an insurance salesman- if you're not implementing a marketing strategy of kindness and appreciation regularly- your business might as well have a revolving door. 

Without this vital ingredient called "relationship marketing,"
people will tend to leave quickly and may not return.

KINDNESS-Is defined as: the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It seems so simple right? It's what we were taught as children- hopefully. "What do you say now Susie?... "Say thank-you." 

A verbal thank you is certainly where it starts, but there's much more you can do that will set your business apart and create an "open door"- a place, a product, or service that people (loyal customers) won't want to leave. 

Think about this. Most retailers recognize they need to implement some type of strategy for customer retention. Such is the case with all of the "reward cards" they offer. Your wallet and key-chain is probably full of them. But do they really work?

I don't believe they're really that effective. People can recognize a gimmick a mile away. Plus they really don't amount to anything valuable anyway. 

OK, so back to kindness. By the way, you can't pretend to be kind. You have to actually mean it. The bible calls kindness a "fruit."

"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness..."  - Galatians 5:22 

All fruit starts in the ground. We cultivate, plant & water, then receive the harvest. In order to harvest or experience a profitable flow of booming business, you must plant or implement a strategy that will bring you desired results.

Remember "The Golden Rule?" 

How does it make you feel to be appreciated? How do you feel when you're recognized, celebrated, loved and remembered? It feels good. Everyone craves this. 

Do this with your customers/clients on a regular basis and you will...NEVER EXPERIENCE A DOWNTURN IN YOUR BUSINESS. 

If you are genuine, they will smell the sweet fragrance of gratitude and generosity. If you're not, well...you know what they'll smell- perhaps something rotten.

When you send out heartfelt cards and/or gifts it makes people feel special. That's how you like to feel :) 

And guess who will be the first one they remember when you need a referral? YOU and your place of business. You will be highly recommended and valued. 

Here's a simple system you can use to get started:

Check it out for yourself...

www.sendoutcards.com/getcardednow

Thanks for visiting my blog!

May your business flourish & continue to grow!

Principals of Appreciation... How it directly Affects Your Business

Appreciation wins out over self promotion every single time - Kody Bateman

Appreciation- Recognizing the good qualities of someone or something. Valuing, treasuring, admiring, respect. Acknowledging and responding with kindness. 

THE KEY TO REACHING THE UNIVERSAL GOAL OF CUSTOMER LOYALTY is...

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION. 

Again, it's been said "People don't care how much you know, until they know HOW MUCH YOU CARE." 

This goes back to learning basic manners. A pleasant, simple "thank-you" goes a long way. Being polite and showing kindness will set you apart from everyone else. 

You already know firsthand how it makes you feel when you are appreciated. This is nothing new. But when you put these principals to work in your business, you will see dramatic results. How does it make you feel when someone remembers your name? 

How about when someone remembers your birthday?? 

If you incorporate these principals of kindness, your personal life and business life will be greatly enhanced. 

ADDING PERSONAL TOUCH IN A HIGH TECH WORLD:

Use a simple greeting card/gift system that will enable you to keep in touch and appreciate clients and get more referrals. 

www.sendoutcards.com/getcardednow

 

How to Keep Your Customers Coming Back- A Simple System for Customer Retention & Referrals

Every business owner is aware of their biggest company asset- the customer. These special people called consumers, are the lifeblood and strength of any and all types of business. Without a continuous flow of revenue from them, a business can not survive.

THE "STICKY" CUSTOMER

The common goal of any business owner is to turn a first time customer into a loyal customer, one that keeps coming back and sticks around! 

Let's say you're getting ready to open and launch a new business venture. It's your "Grand Opening" today and here comes your very first customers. I bet that you're going to treat them with utmost respect and extra special care. After all, this is just the beginning. As they are walking out, the most widely used phrase is extended:  

"Have a Nice Day & Come Back Soon"  

They may or may not "come back soon," they may never come back. One of the best ways to increase your odds of getting loyal, repeat customers is to implement a system of appreciation for each customer with genuine concern.

The saying is true: 

People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.

There are many ways to show appreciation. One of the best ways is to "send a card." !

Card sending has become very rare these days. However, that is what sets the standard. Either you will be common, or uncommon, ordinary or extraordinary.  E-cards are NOT EFFECTIVE.

Allow me to introduce you to a simple, affordable system of "card sending" that will help you retain customers, and get new referrals from those highly satisfied, (appreciated) customers. 

It's called "APPRECIATION MARKETING"

Remember what I said: SIMPLE & AFFORDABLE

Your own "contact manager"

Keeps track of birthdays, anniversaries, follow ups, etc.

Cards cost approximately $1.49 each 

 

You don't have to: 

Drive to buy cards

Address the cards

stamp the card

or even mail the card.

It's done for you! 

What do you do?

Choose a card

Hit the "SEND CARD" button

Try it today for FREE:

www.sendoutcards.com/getcardednow

You'll Never Forget Another Birthday or Anniversary!

Hit the "Send" button and create smiles! 

This simple card-sending system is truly the best way to send a card.!

* Keeps track of birthdays, addresses, and contacts.

AND... these cards are:

* Printed, stuffed, addressed, stamped, and mailed...

FOR YOU!

E-CARDS are shallow- REAL CARDS deeply inspire.

You know, the kind with a genuine heartfelt message that inspires, encourages and celebrates people.   

www.sendoutcards.com/getcardednow

YOU ALREADY SHOP FROM HOME, NOW YOU CAN SEND CARDS.   

BUSINESS USE-

The power of a greeting card...

By appreciating others and celebrating what matters to them...

you'll find that your current customers will stick 

around...and they will become your best referring "agents."

It's called "Appreciation Marketing"

* Keep in touch with clients. 

* Get business referrals

SEND A FREE CARD-IF YOU'D LIKE :) 

This is truly the best way to send a card!