A simple hand-written card is a long forgotten token of appreciation that few resume writing businesses utilize, in my opinion, making it a simple and inexpensive gesture to have a lasting impression on your clients.
There’s nothing more personal than a carefully written note that perfumes gratitude. For a client who referred your services to a friend or family member, there may be no greater reward.
A basic set of professional cards that reflect “Thanks” or “Thank You” on the outer flap with a blank interior can be inexpensively purchased from a paper supply store.
Write a personalized message to each individual client, choosing words that will have a huge impact on each card recipient.
Sample comments might be:
Thank you Frank for referring Julie to me last week.
She and I are currently working on a new resume and cover letter to help her transition once she graduates.
You are very sweet for referring my services. Being a small business, your referral means a lot to me.
Thanks again, Frank.
Regards, Sally Resume Writer
Taking Your Thanks One Step Further
To go beyond a thank-you card, add a gift card from a restaurant chain or department store for those special individuals who refer a steady stream of clients to you.
For those who continuously refer business to you, for example a fellow recruiter, you know he or she participates in continuous lunch and dinner meetings, so giving a restaurant card will serve as an attractive gift — at least in the beginning.
Although the recruiter probably won’t spend more than a few moments mentioning your company name and relaying your contact information, the expense of a $50 or $100 gift card on your part will be money well spent for any new sales you receive.
There really isn’t a set-in-stone formula for determining a proper referral fee or gift card amount, so go with what’s affordable and comfortable for you.
If the recruiter relationship progresses into higher sales, you may wish to offer a flat rate per closed sale to take the guesswork out an appropriate referral fee.
Securing Add-On Business
Discounting your services may not be viable for your resume business, though I'm covering this topic in case this is something you've considered doing in your business.
Discount coupons can be an inexpensive way of provoking more sales.
Take a client that referred a friend who needed a simple resume update, which you closed for $75. You want to thank the referrer; however, you may not want to send a gift card because of the dollar size of the friend’s project.
A discount coupon can offer the same effect to the referring client, without taking a financial hit to your checkbook.
Discount coupons can be for a percentage off future purchases or for free products and services.
Saves you money...
For a stock coupon, purchase pre-printed forms from a local or online printer, or utilize patterned stationery from an office supply store.
Saves you even more money...
An even simpler and cost-conscious idea is to take your existing business card and place a “coupon sticker” on the back. The client will not only have the money-saving coupon, but will also have your company information on the reverse side.
Utilize this same card system to offer freebie products or services (e.g., cover letter, reference sheet, marketing, or job-search campaign).
You might be wondering how a coupon works with an online ecommerce site. Most ecommerce sites offer you the ability to create discount codes. You can use one code for a specified discount amount for all coupon recipients. Some ecommerce sites (not all!) offer you the ability to create expiring coupon codes as well.
Sample coupon offerings could include:
This card entitles you to a free cover letter template
This card entitles you to a free resume update
This card entitles you to a 10% discount on career coaching
The coupon recipient will feel appreciated, and you keep your business name in the forefront with these small tokens of thanks.
No matter how many books you read about marketing and customer service, a common consensus is that people like to do business with individuals they like and respect.
