Keeping in touch with clients and prospective clients yields big dividends, plus it can be fun!

Don’t allow everyday busyness to crowd out this really important activity. Remember, clients are the heart of your business, so you need to let them know you care. If you don’t, your competitor will.

Below are some ideas to make keeping in touch easy, fun and effective:

	Summer is the perfect time to invite clients and possible future clients to attend a ball game or concert, enjoy a round of golf, game of tennis or a hike.
	Host a backyard barbeque or plan one at a local park. Invite those whom you know will enjoy and benefit from getting to know each other.
	Create a schedule to call them on a regular basis with no sales agenda, just to see how they’re doing. Ask what’s new and find out if they have any needs you could help with.
	Arrange to meet at your favorite coffee shop. Ask questions and listen, giving your undivided attention. Turn off your cell phone!
	Find out about your clients’ needs—personal as well as business. Note what’s important to each of them, and then be alert to ways in which you can help. Perhaps send related articles or ideas when you come across them. Introduce them to others who might be able to help.
	Give gifts. You don’t need to spend a fortune—something small and creative can be very meaningful. Use your imagination. If you need extra inspiration, Joan Schlaefer of Gift to It! will be glad to help.
	Send cards. We all love to know that someone is thinking about us. Build a database of your clients’ special events: birthdays, business anniversaries, etc. These make wonderful excuses for ‘client touches.’

Plan on keeping in touch with your clients and potential clients this summer, and reap sales in the future. Enjoy the process and always, always, always be sincere!

About the Author: Victoria Munro is co-founder (along with husband Dave Block) of Make-it-Fly® LLC, a company dedicated to creating success for small-business owners through creatively designed programs and tools. Victoria has started and run nine different businesses. To receive FREE business success articles with tips to help you with your business, sign up for their award-winning ezine, “In-Flight Refueling,” at: www.Make-it-Fly.com, and receive a free copy of the eBook, Get More Done in Less Time: 101 Quick and Easy Time Tactics & Tips.

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