Do Givers Really Get? 3 Easy Ways To Give

It’s the holiday season and your clients should be at the top of your gifting list. How are you thanking them? No matter what your budget or how much they spent with you this year show them what it meant to you to be able to serve them.

There is an art and science to giving. The seemingly simple exchange of money for services is not that simple. It may have even become routine and you don’t want that either. You want your customers and clients to gladly part with their money and cheerfully pay for your services because what you give back is far greater an experience.

In John Ruhlin’s book Giftology, he explains how he became the #1 salesperson for Cutco knives based on the premise of giving. John has mastered and teaches the art and science of giving. (You can hear part of John’s amazing story in this podcast interview he gave to The Art of Charm). He also lets you know what guidelines you should follow as well. Now John doesn’t give gifts during the December holidays because he wants to stand out. However, if you haven’t given yet this year I suggest you do.

There are plenty of cost analysis studies to show you what it costs to keep a client versus trying to secure a new one. The benefit of growing the relationship over time should always be your biggest reason for gifting. This is also the perfect opportunity to decide whether or not you want to continue the relationship.

Remember if someone isn’t your ideal client you are not serving them. More importantly, you are holding them back from being served by another virtual assistant who dreams of having them as a client.

What do you do if you didn’t plan or budget this year? Give anyways. Get creative and get personal. How bad do you want to keep their business?

Here are 3 easy ways to give with just a few weeks left in the year:

1. Offer your services for free. Yes, I said it. If you would have spent $50 on a gift is that an hour of your services for free? Is it equivalent to a certain number of graphics or creations? You’ve heard the expression, “Dress for the job you want not the job you have.” Well, give for the client relationship you want not the client relationship you have.
2. Refer others to them. Can you promote their services? Then do so. Drive people to their website. Tell people to subscribe to their newsletter. Give their book or podcast a five-star review. List their services on your website or in your promotional materials. Never underestimate how much your referral means to the client.
3. Write a sincere thank you card. Let them know what this year has meant to you and how much you have enjoyed serving them. List out your highlights and what brought you the most joy. Tell her where you thought she hit it out of the park or remind him of the contract he signed after much hard work. People are often quick to forget their wins and don’t celebrate enough before moving on to their next conquest. Be their biggest cheerleader and fan.

Don’t forget about past clients either. Even if you don’t want to work with the client again or no longer provide services they need, the client was a part of where you are now. Keep the relationship and give genuine thanks.

The bottom line is givers get. Givers get joy, satisfaction, and pride when they give. Anyone can take and most people do. Give cheerfully. Give gladly. Give with a grateful heart. Most importantly, give thanks and appreciation where it is due.

Because you can’t do it all yourself….Melissa Smith, The PVA is the bestselling author of Hire the Right Virtual Assistant and host of the Admin to VA Summit. To learn about clients wanting to work with a Virtual Assistant just like you contact Melissa here.