The Importance of Follow Up!

[Raycliff Manor]

Every year at the end of the season I do my best to send a letter to each of the sponsors, press and media, etc. whether they are a cash sponsor, provided a dinner, distributed coupons, covered our event in print or on TV, gave us discounted or free radio ads, or supported us in any way. This year I did the same and a couple of days ago I also sent out a Happy Holiday Greeting as well. I didn't mention sponsorship in the greeting and I didn't mention anything having to do with future support from them. I wanted to just send a heart-felt holiday greeting demonstrating our appreciation of their past support and wishing them a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year. The reason I'm posting this is because I was amazed at the number of people who responded and a couple of them indicated their appreciation of our follow up with them. One went so far as to say they appreciated the non-solicitation greeting and the mention in the greeting of how it was our wish that they would spend the holidays enjoying an abundance of blessings with their family and/or friends. It's nice to know that in this modern day and age people are still appreciative of a sincere holiday greeting and it's a reminder that follow up is still not only important, but also a great way to build real friendships with business associates.

Kel

[monsterwax]

Thank you notes are becoming so rare, that any one who bothers with them is making a much greater impression than they would when such manners were common. Your point is well made.

[Tattoo]

Kel, this is a great post.

When I teach about sponsorship writing this is one area I can't emphasize enough!
Kimberly, who is the media planner for the Casino who sponsors Terror on the Fox also made this one of her main points when she spoke at the Frozen Tundra Fright Tour.

I stay in touch with my sponsors throughout the year to let them know we are thinking about them. Thank you notes go a long way (this will be our 9th year with the Casino) and we continue to build upon the relationship we have, a follow up call after you send a card is sometimes all you need to get the discussion going for next years event.

Happy Holidays!

Tattoo