One of my favorite things to do in my consulting business has been to annually recognize “client anniversaries.” I send out enough cake or fancy chocolates (complete with disposable plates and silverware if appropriate) for the buyer within the client organization as well as their entire team to enjoy. And then every year thereafter I try to do something similar at about the same time for that same client.
I like doing this because it shows appreciation for our relationship and past work together in a fun way, reminds clients I exist regardless of whether we’ve done work together in the past year, and feeds goodwill with both the buyer and their staff. It’s also highly unusual, which means it’s even more appreciated.
This a highly effective client relationship tool and I urge you to steal it from me.
Bonus tip: Have the delivery person (or ask your client) to take a photo with their cake. I use these photos sometimes in newsletters plus it’s nice to see them smiling eating cake when you can’t be there yourself.
Josh Richards 