Common courtesy is money in the bank
Posted April 17, 2007 17:58 by Hoard Client Systems CEO.
About Hoard Client Systems CEO
Hoard Client Systems CEO's affinity for investing and financial matters began more than 20 years ago when he began investing in the stock market through a class in high school. Now, in 2006, he is being looked to for his innovation in altering the efficiency in which financial professionals communicate with clients.
Guys and gals, I just got off the phone with someone that insisted I communicate through some sort of instant messaging on the computer. How idiotic! What would have taken less than a minute to communicate on the phone took over 5 minutes on this silly instant messaging thing. I was complaining about it when my "techie" told me it was so this person could talk to me and 3 other people at the same time. HOW HORRIBLY INCONSIDERATE TO WASTE 5 minutes of my time, and the time ofl the other 3 people, just to convenience themselves!
Common courtesy seems to have been misplaced in today's fast paced world. The good news is that for those that practice courtesy, it is easy for them to stand apart from the pack. If they are trying to close a big deal, get access through a gate keeper or for that matter win the love of a sweetheart, a handwritten note is often the ticket. A handwritten note is given a special place in people's "mail sort piles." It is given a place of honor. It is recognized as often the only piece of mail that is desirable to read. For those that practice the art of the handwritten note, the rewards are both emotional and monetary.
Discuss
Comments
497 days ago Mary Jones wrote:
I am an executive assistant for a divison head at a fortune 500 company and you are right on with your "mail sort piles" Handwritten notes are immediately passed on while all other mail is "filtered" and tossed as needed.
497 days ago Katie wrote:
Was that a client who suggested you communicate with them via IM? I agree - IM is not the tool to use when communicating professionally with a client. I would think that you would be discussing sensitive personal and financial information which should never be shared via IM. And the whole courtesy and waste of time thing - well I think you hit it on the head. Don't waste my time - I want to use it to send you a caring note that you'll read and remember!!
497 days ago Brad Thompson wrote:
Couldn't agree with you more. I do have a few clients and prospects who prefer that I contact them via e-mail, but the rest, the ones that I have built the strongest relationships with (the ones who I have all of their business and they actually send me good referrals) are the ones I contact with my handwritten notes. I'm sure my e-mails, 90% of them at least get deleted as soon as they are received. Just the opposite with my handwritten notes. They show my clients that I actually took the time to send something personal and even if for only a few brief moments I was thinking of them and only them. Good article.
490 days ago George wrote:
If I can't send e-mails to communicate the information to the client then someone else can get there faster in today's society. Isn't it all about how fast we can get the information to the client? It seems people today don't have time for caring?
484 days ago Scott B. wrote:
I would never use IM with my financial clients or prospects. They can't tell the excitement in my voice and I can't tell what they REALLY think by their tone. Handwritten notes... yes I agree they are the best marketing tool - I've seen them work over and over again in my business.
497 days ago Dave Storley wrote:
customer service has declined rapidly during the tech years. a handwritten note is something you just don't see now days. I'm not sure how I'd even react if I received a marketing piece in the mail that was mass mailed with a font.