Who else wants to serve your customers and clients - and isn't your competitor? Partnering with one or more of those people could bring added value to your customers while it helps both of you.
Recently I was talking with a friend who owns a moving company.
He's offering Realtors in his city a gas card for every client they refer - a card they can either keep and use, or give to their clients as a closing gift.
He's also offering the clients a very attractive starter package of moving boxes and accessories - so every time a Realtor refers a client to him, both the Realtor and the client get something extra.
Why not see if there's there a reliable mover in your town who would like to do something similar.
But don't stop there...
think about other businesses, too.
Perhaps there's a pool cleaning service, a landscaping company, a carpet cleaner, or a housekeeping service that would be thrilled to have a chance to serve your clients.
The idea wouldn't have to revolve around the house and its care, either.
Perhaps there's a restaurant in town that would give you certificates for dinner as a way to introduce themselves to new residents.
Maybe your favorite hairdresser would offer a free haircut or a shampoo and style - and maybe give you a free haircut for every 5 or 10 new customers you sent in.
Remember that you aren't the only one trying to come up with creative and effective ways to pull in new business.
Help them out by using your own creativity.
If you think hard enough, you might even come up with an entire booklet full of valuable introductions.
Don't you think a closing gift like that would make your clients talk about you to their friends? Don't you think that every time they used one of those certificates they'd think about you - and perhaps tell someone else about your generosity? And don't you think you could remind them about it in your follow-up e-mails? When you write to stay in touch and gently remind them that you want referrals you could throw in something like "I hope you're enjoying the certificates I gave you at closing.
I'm still doing that, so be sure to tell your friends.
" My only caution would be to make sure that when you refer to one of these companies they really are going to serve your clients well.
Meanwhile, keep thinking about the special things you do for your clients - and be sure that your website, which could be your only introduction to them, tells the story.
Before you can give closing gifts, you have to have closings - and your website is the first step in getting there.