If your customer gift budget is a fraction of what it used to be or even non-existent, no worries.

I don’t know about you, but the days of extravagant “thank-you’s” are long over. Most companies I do business with have gift policies in place where their employees are not permitted to accept gifts. Really?

How can you still show your appreciation for their business? With a bit of thought,a simple, more personal way to say thank you can be more effective than an expensive box of chocolates or bottle of scotch. (single malt please!)

Here are five no or low cost ways to say “Thank you”.

1. Pick up a Pen. You’ve heard me talk about this before – that we’re so ‘connected’ we are ‘disconnected’. It’s so easy to hit the delete button AND on the other side of that coin, it’s just as easy to copy/paste and send out a mass email. Send a handwritten thank-you note. Business owners that take the time to send handwritten notes really stand out. Wouldn’t you rather have a whole day on a desk than a ‘read it and delete it’?

2. Use your phone. We all have them. They’ve become another appendage. How easy it is to call your client to tell them how much you appreciate their business. When was the last time you received a call like this? Since this is done so rarely, it can have an big impact. (my number is …. *smile*)

3. Make them a Star. Thank your clients publicly on a social media platform that they use. A shout-out on Facebook, a tweet on Twitter or a simple video that you take with your phone and post on YouTube is just another way to thank your clients, boost their exposure and yours. (you know you’re secretly pleased when you see your name in lights!)

4. Thank them for coming in. If you have a bricks and mortar location, provide coffee, flowers or some other small gift or treat for clients who walk through the door. Our local party rental company has complimentary specialty coffee dispenser (that you can rent!) so while you’re choosing your wine glasses and tablecloths you can enjoy a foaming latte. This freebie lets the store showcase the coffee machine while you get the chance to try before you rent.

5. Fun is Good. Get creative – think out of the box. Take a picture of yourself holding a personal thank you sign in the middle of the Capilano Suspension Bridge or coming down an escalator. Create a mock news headline that includes a picture of the person you’re thanking. Send a roll of Lifesaver candy to thank your supplier for being there when you needed them. Send a packet of seeds to thank your customers for helping you ‘grow’ this past year.

Now Go Get Connected!

About Cathy Kuzel

With 25+ years of experience as a successful Entrepreneur and Business Consultant helping Entrepreneurs succeed, she is recognized across Canada for her in-house and public seminars on “All Things Small Biz”. Named one of the Top Ten Mentors in Canada, Cathy is the Founder of The Connected Woman Association, Author of “Are You a Collector or a Connector?”; “I’m on the Phone!”; the internationally known “Daily Espressos” and is a networking maven.