Only Turkeys Don't Take Advantage Of Thanksgiving Day

Are you making an impression on your clients this Thanksgiving and using the holidays to set yourself apart?

This is a sneak peek from one of the ideas I'll be sharing at the state wide meeting in January, 2012. I LOVE creative mailings! Sending your clients something unique really sets you apart and helps you stand out in their mind. Showing your clients a little of your personality and a bit of your creative side will help them connect with you on new levels that you're probably not experiencing yet.

Here is one of my creative mailings from this year that I just sent out for Thanksgiving. It was mailed to 300 of my best clients with a pocket calendar for 2012.

Here's a big, helpful tip for you: mail Thanksgiving cards INSTEAD of Christmas cards! It's hard to stand out with a Christmas card when there are 25 other cards taped to the mantle! Thanksgiving is a great time to show your appreciation for great clients AND there is a lot less competition (cards) arriving in the mail.


My card is hand drawn so my clients know it is personal and created for them! Anyone can buy a bunch of cards and have their staff send them out in the mail, but how many insurance agents, financial advisors or even friends and family take the time to hand draw them a card for Thanksgiving? None would be my guess, which means my card gets extra points!

The inside of the card also has a personal, hand drawn note and then a short message about how much I appreciate having the recipient as one of my best clients. I've also included a few things that I'm thankful for (my family) to give my clients a reminder that family is important to me.

NEVER talk business in your cards and notes and other personal mailings to your clients. Your Thanksgiving card should be all about the appreciation you have for your relationship and your warm wishes for a special day. Talking about business in a holiday card is downright tacky!

I did something VERY SPECIAL for my top 300 clients that I'll be sharing with everyone at the January kickoff meeting. In the bottom right hand corner of the card I put an arrow directing my clients to turn the card over.On the back of the card I made them an irresistible offer and gave them a link to access a special "for your eyes only" website because they are one of my best clients.  The goal is to get clients engaged and involved with my agency. Engagement and involvement are HUGE keys to happy clients and long-term relationships and you should look for every opportunity possible to connect with your clients in new ways that encourage them to get more involved with your agency.

It's not too late to get a Thanksgiving Day card sent out to your clients. Even a card that arrives a week late but talks about Thanksgiving is better than trying to compete with the Christmas rush. Use this opportunity to connect with your clients and build a better relationship heading into 2012!

Happy Thanksgiving,

Robert Edgin