I have this friend. We’ll call him Rex. I only hear from Rex a couple of times a year, like clockwork:

1. When he has a kid graduating from college or high school and we get an invitation.
2. When he’s joined a new MLM and he wants me to host a get-together or buy something from him.
3. When he’s scheduling his summer vacation and wants to know if he can stay at our mountain home by the lake.

You know what? I think Rex is a jerk. Why? Because he only calls when he wants something. He thinks he’s “keeping in touch.” I think he’s using me.

Don’t use your customers. Don’t just email when you’re selling something or you want them to vote for your blog for some sketchy award. Don’t just send updates when you’re about to lay a big product launch on them. That’s transparent – and silly.

You should be trying to create a relationship with your customers. That means you get in touch not only just to check in, but to give something with no strings attached. The more you give, the more receptive they’ll be when you ask them to do something.

Here are a few ways you can stay in touch without asking for a dime (or for a graduation present).

In the Infusionsoft campaign where you send out the thank you email for purchasers of your products, create a sequence to send out additional emails:

• Record a video of FAQs or ways they can use the product you sold them more effectively. Send a link via email as a thank you.
• Send an email telling them about someone who’s used your product successfully. Case studies are awesome because they’re inspiring!
• Check in, asking them what questions they have, then hold a teleconference to answer those questions – related to your product or not. Record the call and add it to your product as a bonus.
• Send them a link to a funny video or blog post that is related to your industry (everyone likes to laugh!).

Create an additional sequence to send your customers a Happy Birthday email

• This is an amazing goodwill gesture and only takes a few minutes. (Use the Infusionsoft Field Timer in the Campaign Builder for this one).

Social Media

• Tweet links to valuable content with mentions to your customers.
• Post congratulation messages to customers on their Facebook page when milestones in their business are achieved.

In sum, just think of how a friend would act, and then act that way.

Oh, and if you see Rex? Please tell him that we sold our mountain house.