No matter what kind of business you are in, no matter who your clients or patients are, you need to have a consistent and solid strategy for follow up.

It may sound simple, but the reality is that you could be missing out on valuable business if you are not re-contacting your customers after your first interaction with them.

That initial meeting is your first opportunity to “sell” whatever service or product you are offering. For many of us in the real estate field, it’s rare for our clients to “buy” our service at that first meeting. But, once they leave the meeting, unless you re-connect with that customer, there is no guarantee you will see them again.

There are a number of ways to follow up. Consider the customer, consider the context of your meeting. For some, a phone call will be the way to make contact, for others, perhaps in a more formal relationship, a letter is more appropriate.

Thank the customer for their time and consideration. Thank them for visiting your office or for spending the time talking to you. What additional questions do they have for you? What further information can you provide them to help them make a decision? And, of course, plant the seed that you expect to see them again very soon.

It’s simple, but it’s effective. If you are attentive in your customer service at this point in the relationship, it sends the right message – you will be attentive throughout your entire transaction or interaction with them.