How to get a flood of referrals with the “Unforgettable Postcard”

I’ll bet you like most other interior design business owners use networking to connect with potential clients.

You start out by signing up for a local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, BNI or maybe Ewomen Network.  You attend event monthly where you have lunch, shake hands, meet some great people, exchange business cards with little or no results.

Frustrating isn’t it?

You really want to be able to stand out from all of the other interior designers who attend the same events and even get some referrals when you network, right?

The key is to give them something that will get to:

  1. Like You
  2. Remember You
  3. AND Refer You.

Next time you attend a networking event do the following:

  1. Get their business card
  2. On the back side jot down a few notes to help you remember what you chatted about

Then follow up with what we call “Unforgettable Postcard” and you will blow them away!

Send them a simple postcard with a photo of you on one side and a note referencing what you chatted about at the event.

In this digital age you will truly stand out with a handwritten note.  Think about it, how often do you get a handwritten note these days?

Sending one with a reference to your conversation shows that you were listening and cared enough to follow up with them.

Using this follow up method will help you make a great first impression, solidify those networking relationships and get more referrals.

How to get a flood of referrals with the Unforgettable Postcard

The Unforgettable Postcard

This is an overlooked and simple but supremely effective marketing strategy.

All you need to do is to get postcards printed up with a great photo of you on the front.

Then, add your business name and contact information leaving room for a personal note and address on the back. After networking with another design professional, simply send them a post card with a personal note.

Why does the “Unforgettable Postcard” work?

By sending the Unforgettable Postcard people will remember you, like you and want to send clients to you.

Why?

Because you show them that you care in a way that they remember and they will like you for that.

Then when  it comes time to send a referral, they will remember you.

3 Steps to creating the Perfectly “Unforgettable Postcard”

1. Print up postcards with a great photo of you on them.

Haven’t you noticed how hard it is to throw away cards with a photo on them?   People are more likely hang on to the postcard with your photo on it about 10x longer than a unpersonalized postcard.

2. Include a personal detail from your conversation in your note

Don’t just sign your name on the postcard.

Write something specific about the conversation you had with this person.

3.  Keep following up with your networking connections

Lasting connections aren’t made overnight.

Send them postcard after each and every interaction. Block time on your calendar to touch base with your key networking partners regularly.

Use this strategy and you’ll stand out from the rest of the crowd.

It’s definitely simple, easy and you will see results as long as you stay consistent!

Gail Doby

Gail, with her team at Pearl Collective, has helped more than 10,000 designers in 76 countries. Many of them have achieved amazing results... doubling, tripling (and more) their revenue and profit... with clarity and confidence. Gail and her team build one-of-a-kind experiences, walking beside Interior Designers to help them create and implement their plans.

5 Comments

  1. Heidi on January 6, 2016 at 1:33 pm

    Great idea! I will give this a try

  2. Emma on January 12, 2016 at 8:15 pm

    So timely, would like to create one this month. You are so right about the business cards, most of the time I have no idea who the person is and I wish I had more details about the person.

  3. David Eichler on January 16, 2016 at 11:46 am

    Nice idea. I would also suggest that the quality of the postcard should be commensurate with the quality of the service you offer. That is, consider the quality of the photos you use and the quality of the paper and printing. Perhaps also consider hiring a graphic designer to design the card. I might suggest a photo of one of your projects on the front of the card and your headshot on the interior or back of the card.

  4. Hazel G.Resari on January 30, 2016 at 7:45 am

    Great idea..I will also try this.

  5. Elise Yaates on January 31, 2016 at 9:11 pm

    I like this idea, it is different, will give it a try.
    Mahalo,
    Elise

Leave a Comment