I while ago I downloaded a trial version of a piece of software called Link Prospector which searches blogs on the web in your niche to see if they accept guest blog posts.

A few days later I got an email from the CEO of the business asking me what I thought of it. I assumed it was a pre-programmed email but as my experience with the software was excellent I sent them an email to say so.

Within a couple of hours the CEO had replied to thank me and sent me a handful of credits to use on the system.

A personal touch like this is so rare these days it really stands out.

In fact I was so impressed I wrote a very positive review of the product for my website the very next day.

Other example of how personal wins:

A couple of my friends who sell online training programs phone new customers to welcome them on board and ask if there's anything specific they can do for them.

A live conversation with someone you've bought an online product from? Unheard of. The customers are usually stunned.

Not surprisingly, these guys have very low refund rates on their products.

I try to prompt personal interactions in my regular emails. And I reply personally to anyone who takes the time to email me (barring the vagaries of spam filters, of course).

And a while back I started doing personal welcome videos for new members of Momentum Club.

When people connect with you on Linkedin, how many of them include a real personal message tailored to you vs the standard “I'd like to add you to my professional network” thing?

Which are you more likely to connect with and build a relationship with?

Just a little bit of the personal touch can go a long way and make a big difference to your clients.

Try it yourself today. The next 5 emails you get from clients, referrers, prospects – whoever – pick up the phone and call them instead of just emailing.

If you sell online products, the next time someone buys something from you send them a hand-written thank-you card.

The next time someone comes into your office for a meeting, don't send your PA down to meet them. Go down yourself and take them out for a coffee and have your meeting there.

Anything to inject a bit more personal contact (and personality) into your relationship with them.

Personal wins.