Good manners and Sales

When I was a kid, there was a strict rule at our house for writing thank you notes upon receipt of a gift or act of kindness. In our high tech world, an 'ole fashion thank you note still goes a long way in building and keeping relationships. Here are just a few deserving people. Vendors:
My background is distribution and manufacturing so I know the value of good suppliers. Our business was only as good as our supplier's business. Instead of beating your vendors up for a lower price, sit down and write a note of thanks for their continued good service.

Referral Partners:
Good referral partners are gold and should be treated as such. Don't just send a thank you note when receiving a referral; send a thank you note in between referrals to let your partners know you value the relationship.

Sales Managers and Owners:
"It's lonely at the top." Don't forget to thank the leaders of your company for taking risks and making tough decisions. It's not easy to do what's right, make change, stay profitable and keep everyone at the company happy.

Clients:
Studies show that salespeople lose more business because clients feel unappreciated than due to price. When is the last time you set a meeting with a client just to tell them you appreciate their business?

Sales Team:
Too often, the only time a salesperson receives a pat on the back is after closing a deal. A complex sale can take 9 - 18 months to close. That's a long time for a salesperson to go without receiving a note of thanks or pat on the back. Make sure you thank your sales team for things other than closed deals; good attitude, helping others and working hard everyday.

Make one more stop on the way home tonight to pick-up thank you notes. It's a very inexpensive way to build relationships and business.

Good selling,

Colleen Stanley
Chief Selling Officer