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Are you looking for an efficient way to spend some marketing dollars? Do you want to talk only to an audience that has a vested interest in your company and is motivated to see that you’re successful?

Look no further than your own employees.

It is one of the most powerful and most overlooked marketing truths out there. Employees who feel appreciated will make your clients feel appreciated too. Think of it this way: For every dollar you spend on employees, you get a double return on investment. You make the employees feel special and appreciated, and you fuel them up to take even better care of your customers.

Often, a sincere “thank-you” can be the best incentive around. But if you want to go beyond that, here are some other ideas.

Let them decide: The CEO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK asks his employees for 101 life goals. When some of them exceed his expectations and he wants to reward them, he looks for ways to help them get closer to one of those life goals.

Don’t forget their families: When one of your team members has been putting in a lot of extra hours and effort or been on the road for a while, why not send a thank-you note or gift to his or her family?

Let them be your customers: The best way they can advocate for your products or services is to use them. If you’re an accountant, do their taxes for free.

It doesn’t have to be big: Employees love creative coupons that can be redeemed for a long lunch, or a half-day Friday.

No matter what you do, make sure you couple it with a genuine thank-you. That’s sweet music to anyone’s ears.

Drew McLellan is Top Dog at McLellan Marketing Group and blogs at www.drewsmarketingminute.com. He can be reached at Drew@MclellanMarketing.com. © 2009 Drew McLellan