It is not too late to contact clients and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving. I have heard from a number of advisors who want to send clients a Thanksgiving card but say they just don't have the time or resources to get it done. Well, it is not too late. In fact, this week's column is dedicated to giving you several solutions that can be delivered in as little as one hour. Don't miss this opportunity to communicate with clients and help ensure they are thinking positive, even with the tough year we have experienced.
The Challenge
It is a busy time of the year with client reviews wrapping-up, administrative support limited, clients needing extra attention and Thanksgiving just around the corner. On the list of projects: sending out Thanksgiving cards to clients and as I have heard from a range of emails it hasn't gotten done. Now it is only a few days away. Is there any hope to get this done?
The Solution
Yes. Here are some solutions advisors have shared that can take as little as one hour to complete and will let clients know you took the time to communicate. Share with clients something you are thankful for and ask them to do the same. Start their day, and even their family dinner, identifying a positive situation over the past year. It has been a tough year for many and this helps bring out the positive.
1. Find a local Thanksgiving walk that supports a charity. Many towns hold Turkey Trots or other events on Thanksgiving morning to raise money for a local charity. It is not too late. Simply check on line at your local Chamber of Commerce for Thanksgiving events. Take the flyer or website link and forward it to your clients to join you on Thanksgiving morning before all the family activities begin. Often, advisors share their clients are looking for opportunities to give back and just need an invitation. Set-up a meeting place with a time for your group to gather. This is a great opportunity to invite them to bring family and friends.
2. Send an email Thanksgiving card. A few sites to consider are www.hallmark.com, www.free-e-cards-online.com/ThanksgivingCards.html or check with your firm's marketing team for an online card available to send. The set-up is simple and the card is sent out to your database. If it is done on Tuesday, it will go out on Wednesday.
3. Send a Thanksgiving poem (or a link to the website) with a note to clients letting them know you are thinking about them. The poem can be a reflection on the year or the holiday. Here's a
website that has poetry that I feel is appropriate.
4. Plan a volunteer day at a local shelter or kitchen the first weekend of December. The kitchens and shelters have an over abundance of volunteers for the Thanksgiving weekend and will be in need of help the following week. Send an email this week wishing clients a Happy Thanksgiving and inviting them to join you the following weekend.
We have seen the results of various studies where clients feel their advisors have not communicated enough with them this past year. Don't let this opportunity slip by.
I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and before you leave this article, think of one thing you are grateful for this year and write it down by your computer or phone. No matter how difficult the times, there is always something to be thankful for. Now communicate with clients and help them give thanks and even help them find ways to give back.
Our next INPractice will be on Monday, Dec. 7, and the focus will be on jump-starting 2010.
