The art of #CustomerLove is about loving all of your readers and customers, but today I want to invite you to take the time to really love one customer. I take it back – I challenge you to give one truly great gift today. Just one.
Before you run me off for suggesting that you “waste time” focusing your time and energy on only one potential customer today, hear me out. I promise that I’m not as crazy as I seem.
What is a Great Gift?
You know when you receive a great gift. It’s not the biggest or most expensive present under the tree at Christmas; it’s the gift that has the most meaning. It’s personal, almost intimate.
A few years ago, a group of my friends threw a Christmas party with a Secret Santa gift exchange. When it came time to exchange presents, I found a small, flimsy package with brown-paper-bag wrapping paper with my name on it. Classy. I grabbed it and sat next to a few friends as we took turn opening our gifts.
When it came to my turn, I set to opening the gift with only mild excitement. The wrapping paper slid off, and I was left holding a yellowing, aging old book as the paper crinkled to the floor. Tears sprang to the corners of my eyes as I leafed through the musty pages.
It was a copy of The Iron Man, a short novel that The Iron Giant, my favorite animated film (I’m an animator, it was a big deal), is based on. I couldn’t believe it. I hadn’t even known that I wanted it, but it was the perfect gift.
My friend had taken one small fact that he knew about me – one of my favorite films – and gave me a great gift. It was personal. It was thoughtful beyond words. And it wasn’t big, fancy or new.
Great gifts are gifts with great meaning. That’s what we’re shooting for today.
Give One Great Gift Today
Is it possible to give a gift that touches a heart over the internet? Yes. You might not have the benefit of years of background with your readers, but it’s possible to use what you do know to deliver sincere #customerlove.
Here are six steps you can take to give a great gift today:
- Choose somebody to spoil: someone that has left great comments on your blog, has engaged with you on Facebook or Twitter, or reached out via Skype or email.
- If you need to, learn more about your recipient. Read their about page, dig through their archives paying special attention to likes, dislikes and personal stories. Are there any challenges you can help them with or problems you can solve for them?
- Use what you’ve learned to come up with a ideas of gifts to give. Remember, a great gift is great because it is meaningful. You don’t need to spend any money to make it meaningful. Solve their problem. Share a few resources that will make their life better. Use your unique skillsets and talents to give them something valuable and meaningful. Make it personal. Hell, record a video of you singing their favorite song, specifically for them. They’ll never forget it.
- Spend time creating your gift. Make it with love. This is the #CustomerLove challenge, after all.
- Deliver your gift. Send it along with a personal message explaining what inspired you to give to them a gift.
- Expect nothing in return. Bask in the glow of giving. This is about you genuinely loving your customer. Don’t cheapen it by expecting reciprocation.
If you’re stuck for ideas, remember that a gift as simple as a personalized thank you letter or a video expressing your heartfelt gratitude will have a meaningful impact on your reader. Give a gift with meaning.
The Importance of Gift Giving
Before you can really give a great gift to many people, you need to be able to do it for one person. The principles are the same. Once you learn them, you’ll be able to reach out and touch the hearts of an entire community. Giving great gifts cultivates a culture of connection and meaning. That’s what people are looking for in a leader.
Today’s action is simple: Give one person a great gift.
Can you do it? Share your stories of giving: how did you go the extra mile to give a great gift?
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jonathan Wondrusch, Customer Love. Customer Love said: Day 18: Give One Great Gift – http://is.gd/hlyuG #customerlove […]