I knew we were on to something long ago when one of my staff began a Sozo tradition of sending out handmade cards (created by one of the best creative Stampin’ Up! demonstrators, of course) every Christmas season. Perhaps we’re one rung above Write On Results or Tom Richard Marketing which offer just handwritten Christmas cards?
What drew my attention to handwritten marketing pieces was seeing an Adword for Tom Richard’s hand signed products on one of our experimental websites (of course I didn’t click thru). He argues for companies to go all out and hire his crew (finger cramps – ouch!) to hand sign thank you cards (I’m all for that) and even holiday cards.
But, seriously speaking, this added touch speaks much. I receive swarms of mail (email too) across my desk – both at my office and then when I go home each evening. Every imaginable company is trying to sell me server upgrades, mailing lists for clients, consultant services, office supplies, you name it. Yesterday, some “company” based in NYC was even trying to charge me for them to submit sozofirm.com to 10 or so search engines! Most of these offers are quickly glimpsed at and then permanently discarded. But occasionally the not-so-ordinary promo piece catches my attention. Or, the not-so-expected packaging.
We recently purchased a photo studio lighting system (for client product photo shoots) from Table Top Studio. What impressed me, upon arrival of the product, was the quality packaging and the care given even to placement of each item within the box. Table Top had spent the extra buck into a higher quality cardboard box and they meticulously packaged each item into that box. Opening it was pure delight. And, usually for me, I hate opening a long awaited package only to find that those who packaged it were obviously not the ones paying for it. So kudos to Table Top for going the extra mile with customer service.
At Sozo Firm, though we’ve got a long ways to go, I like to hope that clients see us in the same light as Table Top. We’re not out to make merely a fast buck. We’re here to partner together with each client and press forward for their online success. I firmly believe that it’s our extra mile commitment that has helped bless us with steady streams of business, even during these economic downturns. And may we never forget that or take customers for granted.
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