2nd QTR is Here – So now what?

 As spring emerges, it is time to get down to business. That’s right. The first three months of 2024 are in the rear-view mirror. Now what? As business owners, we review the first QTR numbers, but what are we looking at? Sales. Sales. Sales. It is a great time to look at how our interactions impact sales.

As a high-touch custom gift boutique, we knew early on that gift-giving was so much more than purchasing a gift and sending it to the recipient. When done well, gift-giving is an art and science. The process entails researching the right gift and creating a white-glove experience. But that is just the beginning… 

Here are three takeaways to think about …

·        Gifts should be MML- Meaningful, memorable, and lasting. That’s what we call the MML formula.

·        They should strengthen your relationships, help elevate your message, and tell your story. 

·        The act of gift-giving should enhance your day-to-day conversations.

However, gift-giving is only one aspect of showing you care. We live in a digital age. There is a time and place for gift-giving. But as humans we are craving H2H interactions (human to human). Real face time 1-1 conversations. Not simply emails, not only social interactions but meaningful, heartfelt touches throughout the year, creating a bond that keeps those most important to you and your business – (prospects, clients, staff, and partners) wanting more. 

If you are not where you want to be in the first 95 days of this year, now is the time to boost your day-to-day operations to include more H2H touches. One easy way to do this is to make more phone calls. Stop the emails. Pick up the phone.  

Another win is to become a note writer. When is the last time you sent a handwritten note?     Have a pen, notecards, and stamps at the ready. Express your gratitude with a personalized note.  It will not be forgotten.  All the emails will. Social cannot take the place of a handwritten note.  Be different than your competition. People feel appreciated in a special way when they receive a handwritten note. This should not be a chore but a consistent part of your interactions. Put it on your weekly to-do list. It is one of the special touches we are all craving.  

Incorporating these easy changes can open a world of opportunities that all your social efforts can never do for you. Try it! The second QTR might surprise you.