1. Do something the old fashioned way. Take out a pen and write a personal note. Customers even save these and tack them up on an office
wall. When was the last time you saw a typed follow up note on someone's wall? Think about it and practice your penmanship.

2. Ask your customer to meet you for breakfast. Any meal is appropriate here, but breakfast is best because there's usually a finite time together and your entertainment expenses are minimized.

3. Send an item of interest. Maybe you have a customer who rides horses. You see an article in an airline magazine about raising and riding horses. Mail it to your customer with a note, "Just thinking of you and thought you might enjoy this".

4. Invite your customer to join you at an association meeting or a networking get-together. Spend some time either before or after the function to re-connect and discuss business matters. She'll be glad you included her!

5. Use e-mail to stay in touch. Just remember, e-mail is emotionless, so no bad jokes or sarcasm.

6. Contact your customer with a lead for them. Send business their way, because remember, the more successful they are, the more successful you will be, too!

7. Talk to the gatekeeper as if she is the decision maker. Tell her you called to touch base with her boss and you want to make sure that he knows you're thinking of him and appreciate his business.

8. Send a holiday card-not just in December. So try something different to stand out. Consider mailing Labor Day, Thanksgiving, or Valentine cards to touch base.

Above all, when staying in touch, be creative. Use all eight of these suggestions at different times with your customers. Vary the contact methods, making sure that you are letting your buyers know that they're important and that you appreciate their business. Both you and your customers will be glad you did!

(c) Renee Walkup, SalesPEAK, 678 587-9911 www.salespeak.com