Craig W. Barrett, Hughesville, REALTOR (r)
Hughesville, MD Real Estate
www.hughesvillehomes.com
I ran in the 2007 Marine Corps Marathon and raised money for Injured Marines and their families. My fundraising campaign was successful. I raised more money than my goal, I actually reached my goal early and raised it because folks were so generous. Donations came from friends, family, colleagues, and past clients. I started raising money in mid-May and stopped the last week of October.
When I received a donation I immediately emailed the donor with a thank-you. I didn't expect any response and rarely got one. During the course of the fundraising, folks asked how my training was going and how long I had until the Marathon. They were interested in how I was doing and that got me thinking I should let them all know when the Marathon was over, how the fundraising went, and how I ran (btw it wasn't pretty, but I finished lol).
I wrote each person that donated a short, sincere, handwritten thank-you note that told them thanks, how much I raised, where their donation went, how helpful their donation was and that I completed the Marathon. The thank-you card was "branded". I received several emails, phone calls, and pats-on-the-back thanking me for sending them a nice thank-you note. I was little surprised with the feedback.
I started sending thank-you notes to clients when I received one myself about a year ago after buying life-insurance. I send them immediately after closings thanking them for their business and trust.
I think we don't send them in today's faced-paced world, because it's easier and quicker to send an email, a text message or make a phone call. However, a handwritten thank-you note will have a greater impact and will be more effective and appreciated.
I wrote a post the other day concerning this very thing.
You are right, not enough people do it.
I can tell you this...when I get one I take notice.
Craig-I completely agree with you on expressing our gratitude to our clients. It shows them that we are still continuing to be there even after the closing. In addition to sending thank you notes to my clients, I also send them to everybody on my team, lender, title, other agent. I want them to all be appreciated for their hard work and teamwork.
The marathon you ran is absolutely incredible. What a very giving spirit you have and that is a fabulous example for us all. I would love to look into doing this. Thank you again for your example.
Jeff - I just went and read yours, sorry I missed it the other day. Sending thank-you notes are a rarity and require just a little effort and even less money. 8 for $1. My "branded" thank-you cards were $1 piece, but yet another inexpensive way to "brand" my business.
Bob and Carolyn - I agree, you can never say thank-you too much and a hand-written thank-you note is a personal, sincere way to do it.
Vicki - Just make handwritten thank-you notes part of your "process", it'll become 2nd nature. I am planning on running next year. I made some mistakes in my training, I got calve cramps at mile 10. I started out too fast and I think I didn't have enough potassium in me. My next one is Feb 16th in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Julie - Yes, it adds further credence to the home buying process. Good point including others involved in getting the transaction closed successfully. I'll start doing that too. I send a Christmas Card to every agent, Title company, lender, etc... I did business with during the year, but you're right I *should* send a handwritten thank-you note promptly after the closing.
Thanks for the kind words, but I wasn't the only one. There were a lot of other people out there doing the same thing with me. Collectively, we raised over 200k. The recuperating Marines at Bethesda Naval Medical Center were extremely grateful for the support. Every donation, no matter how large or small, made a difference in an injured Marines life.
YES!!! You CAN run a Marathon too. Contact me offline and I'll hook you up. :-)
Craig,
I agree, handwritten notes are special and sets you apart from the rest. Congratulations on completing the marathon! :)
Renee - Sure marketing strategies have changed as consumers needs have changed, but no matter how we do it personal contact is still key. I like handwritten notes. Thanks for the comment!