When was the last time you received a note of appreciation or a thank you card from someone you did business with?

Isn't it amazing how such a simple yet sincere gesture can be so memorable?

Recently, Mark's Detailing in Holland, Michigan won me over with their terrific service and quality of work. They capped it off with a handwritten note thanking me for my business--now I'm a fan for life.

I can say the same about my CPA, Paul Dalberg. Not only is Paul my CPA, he is also a client and close friend.

I want to share a "Letter of Appreciation" I recently received from Paul because I think your Green Industry business could do something very similar:

Dear Chris & Amy,

On behalf of my staff and myself, I want to extend a warm thank you for allowing us to assist you in your tax matters during the 2009 tax season.

We are honored to have you as a client and look forward to being of continued service during the 2010 tax season.

With that in mind, I am aware that most of my clientele will be affected by new, pending, and expiring tax legislation with regard to their 2010 tax returns. Shortly I will be sending out a letter which highlights key tax considerations that will affect your return for the 2010 tax year.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions, concerns, or suggestions on ways we might improve the quality of our continued service to our clientele. Also, keep us in mind as you hear others in need of tax and accounting services.

Your business is much appreciated.

Respectfully,
Paul Dalberg, CPA

At first glance the letter may seem a bit generic, but knowing Paul like I do, I know his sentiment is 100% sincere.

Along with sharing Paul's appreciation, the letter accomplishes something else very important: It creates the expectation for future communication and a long term, value-added relationship.

Any number of Green Industry businesses, from a landscape designer to a lawn care company, could utilize a "Letter of Appreciation" like this.

Here's my twist on Paul's letter that could be used by a landscape design/build company:

Dear Chris & Amy,

On behalf of my staff and myself, I want to extend a warm thank you for allowing us to assist you in creating your home's landscape.

We are honored to have you as a client and look forward to being of continued service into the future.

With that in mind, I am aware that along with a new landscape will come questions and concerns regarding how best to care for your new investment. In a few days I will be sending you a document which highlights the key maintenance considerations for the duration of this season. In the future you can expect a quarterly newsletter highlighting seasonal maintenance requirements and suggestions meant to keep your landscaping in top condition.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns regarding your newly installed landscape--we are here to help you as your garden evolves. Also, keep us in mind as you hear others in need of landscaping services.

Your business is much appreciated.

Respectfully,
Chris Heiler

What do you think? Members of LandscapeLeadership.com can download my "Letter of Appreciation" (Word .doc) in the Download Library.

How do you tell your clients you appreciate their business? Do you send thank you cards or notes like the one above? Please share your thoughts in the comments below--I'd love to hear what you're doing.

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