What do these people have in common?

jtnichol said:

I agree 100% percent. I wouldn't send crap to people I don't even know....When my clients get back from their honeymoon and find a box of brownies on their doorstep, they are really appreciative.

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Nothing is ever 100% exact. That's a kind thank you for their business. I think thats a wonderful idea. But to then remember their birthdays, anniversaries, new baby arrival, babies first dump, and send them cards? Maybe certain clients are the exception but for most it's just a nice way to say "hey look at me, I'm still in business and I need yours". Nothing wrong with that but don't look down on the people who toss that in the trash.

I look at some of the SOC cards sent to me by real estate agents for example. They could care less when my birthday is, they are only looking for future business. A past client having a birthday and you send them a card? Again, you are only looking for future business. These are sales techniques and most people realize this. So why not just send them a card reminding them that you are still looking for their business? Because most sales people are just trying to deceive their past clients into thinking they care when their birthday is, when what they really want is their future business.

Now I understand this is not done with bad intent and It's good to keep your information fresh on their mind but it is what it is, a sales technique.

SOC has it's purpose and I love using the system for sending out my Dance Jam mailers, Christmas cards, and other personal mailings. It's just another tool to make life easier.

Ron Auger said:

Nothing is ever 100% exact. That's a kind thank you for their business. I think thats a wonderful idea. But to then remember their birthdays, anniversaries, new baby arrival, babies first dump, and send them cards? Maybe certain clients are the exception but for most it's just a nice way to say "hey look at me, I'm still in business and I need yours". Nothing wrong with that but don't look down on the people who toss that in the trash.

I look at some of the SOC cards sent to me by real estate agents for example. They could care less when my birthday is, they are only looking for future business. A past client having a birthday and you send them a card? Again, you are only looking for future business. These are sales techniques and most people realize this. So why not just send them a card reminding them that you are still looking for their business? Because most sales people are just trying to deceive their past clients into thinking they care when their birthday is, when what they really want is their future business.

Now I understand this is not done with bad intent and It's good to keep your information fresh on their mind but it is what it is, a sales technique.

SOC has it's purpose and I love using the system for sending out my Dance Jam mailers, Christmas cards, and other personal mailings. It's just another tool to make life easier.

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This is all good, but sometimes I can also add a message about remembering that we can help them celebrate their birthday with a backyard yard movie in the summer or a kids birthday with a tennis ball air cannon birthday in the park for their friends/kids etc.

Another way to say "hi" thats all....

I do get your point and agree!

jt,
Yes, you can do all those things but when you're remembering their birthday, that's a personal moment. When add what things about your business you are soliciting so that personal touch, for me anyway, means nothing more than you want my business. How you do it is important.

Dave,
I look at these things as a customer, a homeowner, a regular average Joe. It's not being cynical, it's knowing what true motives people have. It's so secret, I hate salesman. I don't like their tactics and I can't stand dealing with them. I certainly don't want to deal with them in the seclusion of my own home. When they invade my space by sending me some dumb @ss birthday card and reminding me if I need life insurance, want to sell my home, wish to try a new get hard med, the personal message is just bull. If they truly cared about my birthday or special event then they'd send me a card signed only by their name. No business information would be attached. That is why when I send a card to clients/past customers it's signed:

With all my best,
Ron Auger
Your Musical Host

No tag lines, no phone numbers, no business informations, and no call to action. I save those for the upfront business, full contact mailings.

I didn't just make this stuff up I'm not being cynical. I listen to peoples gripes and bit#hes. Just like Thunder, many people know the difference between junk mail and a personal card.

I'd love to share sometime with you. It's got to be coffee for me, I miss my beer but it's been 5 years now. I'm on a roll. You've got to take a number, I think Merry, Ferrell, Bartlett and their trusty cult followers all want a piece of me first.


Remember, there is nothing personal here. If there were I'd be sending you a card.

Ron, point taken man.

Good read.

Don't get me wrong, you've got to do what works for you. Most of that stuff doesn't work for me.

Good luck.

Not getting you wrong...I see your take on it.