...two words you don't hear a lot anymore. It used to be that when you patronized a business, you not only came away with a satisfactory product or service, you also came away with a "thank you."

Today?  Not so much.

And yet, businesses are constantly seeking new and exciting ways to better "connect" with their customers, foster customer loyalty, and express appreciation for their patronage. But in doing so, they too often overlook the simplest, most direct, and effective approach: saying "thank you."

If you happen to be in involved in such a business, or in any business that relies on customers to stay in business, we have a suggestion:

If you want to let your customers know how much you appreciate them:

Don't tell them their call is important to you while you save a few dollars at their expense by keeping them on hold when they call...

Absolutely no one is stupid enough to believe that line!

Don't send them an e-card in lieu of a real greeting card, while patting yourself on the back for going green...

Nobody will believe that line either: 1) They will know you're really just trying to cut back on mailing costs at their expense. 2) They will likely NOT open your e-card, because e-cards have become notorious vehicles for the delivery of malware viruses. And 3) They will wonder why you chose to cut back on one of the best possible uses of paper, instead of making a real effort to go green by cutting out catalog mailings, paper brochures, solicitation mailings, inter-office memos, newspapers, disposable coffee cups, etc.

Don't send an email...

It takes even less effort than an e-card, and people know it. And it will offer no lasting impact in your customer's minds.

Don't call...

Nobody answers their phone, and there's no lasting value, even if you do get through.

And don't send a form letter or self-promotion piece...

Your customers are hip to those tricks, and, you can bet, they won't feel the love.

A simple "thank you" contained in a greeting card worthy of display on a coffee table, counter, or desk top will accomplish your goal.

Here is an example one of our corporate clients used as a Thanksgiving greeting card. Their logo has been removed from this example.

A display-worthy greeting card containing a sincere message will separate your company from your competition and put it forefront in your customer's mind. And, in an age where the customers who actually keep companies in business receive little or no recognition at all, it will go a long way toward creating a real connection with the heart and soul of your business.

At High Voltage Cards, we are happy to help companies, organizations, and individuals customize the inside of any of our greeting cards for orders of 100 cards or more with messages that can include logos, artwork, and signatures. To discuss large volume, custom orders, please email us with your requests.

And, by the way... thank you for reading this!