Selling success: The proof is in the cards

Everyone is after the secret to selling, and one car salesman from Detroit may have found it. Joe Girard is the Guinness World Records holder for the world's best salesman. How did he earn the honor? By selling 18 cars in just one day. In a month, he would typically sell an average of 160 cars. Throughout his sales career, he sold a total of 13,001 cars. While he feels many things contributed to his success, one of them was greeting cards.

Sending cards to customers
Both major and minor holidays offered Girard opportunities to get in touch with customers and prospects on a frequent basis. He would send 12 cards per year to every single one of his clients and potential customers. These cards made sure that he was always on people's minds. He would send out a card every month, and business holiday cards for Christmas. These notes were more than just greeting cards – they were relationship builders that helped customers trust Girard and his business. In addition to seasonal greetings, he would mail out thank you notes, along with free goodies and any news and information that may be beneficial to the customer.

It's all about the customer
Girard truly put himself in the shoes of his customers. He would tell those who bought his cars to come back to him directly if they had a problem with the vehicle. The salesman even treated the mechanics to a grand dinner at an Italian restaurant every month. He seemed to be able to keep everyone around him satisfied.

He got so good at selling and working with people that customers actually lined up waiting for Girard to sell them a car. It was almost as if he was selling himself, not cars.

"I never sold a car in my life," Girard explained to Auto News. "I sold a Girard."

Help your company maintain solid customer relationships this holiday season by sending out Thanksgiving cards and business greeting cards. They're a simple way to reach out and show that you care.