another slightly off-topic question

[Annie Grieshop]

Those are really good ideas, Bruce, and now that I'm going to be working in
a more compact area, I suspect I'll follow your example on that.  Thanks.

I had thought about Christmas cards and will probably start doing that, as
well.  Do you have them commercially printed with your name, etc. (and the
jokes) or do you make up your own insert and sign a standard card?

Last year, I handed out magnetic calendars with my name and contact info,
and folks seemed to really appreciate them.  Of course, I still have a bunch
left, but now I can refer to them as "collectors' items".  I've also made
magnetic business cards in years past.  Fridge magnets seem to have staying
power when it comes to advertising.

Thanks again,
Annie Grieshop

> -----Original Message-----
> From: justpianos at our.net.au [mailto:justpianos at our.net.au]
> Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2007 6:07 PM
> To: annie at allthingspiano.com; Pianotech List
> Subject: RE: another slightly off-topic question
>
>
> Annie,
> There may be times when you can't catch up with your "regular" clients at
> the time they expect you. I've found there is no loyalty from them, and
> they will ring somebody else, not even you to check on reasons, for their
> tuning. So I've now started sending a newsletter quarterly, including
> things like general info. on looking after pianos, moving and positioning
> of pianos, selecting a piano teacher, piano practice, history of pianos
> and anything that may have the remotest of interest. It keeps my name in
> their head, lets them know I'm still servicing their area, and gives me
> the opportunity to introduce new marketing strategies, like discounts for
> referrals. I end this by suggesting they pass the newsletter on to a
> friend or music teacher.
> Every new client in a year gets a Christmas card, filled with piano jokes,
> and I always get a thank you at the next visit. People appreciate when you
> show how important they are to you.
> Bruce Browning
> The Piano Tuner.
>
>
>