It’s the holiday season; your clients are taking time off, and you are taking time off. The pressure is on you to tie up loose ends and secure renewals with your current clients while setting up meetings with important clients and new prospects. We know that December is the month split between rushing to get work done and showing employees and clients that you appreciate what they’ve done throughout the year. Added to this is the pressure to set goals for the new year.
The question is, will your holiday season is bright? The holiday season can be an excellent opportunity to land new clients and strengthen relationships with existing customers.
Here are Six tips to maximize your business opportunities during the holidays.
Appreciate Current Customers
The holidays are a great time to show appreciation for working with them. Sending a handwritten note of appreciation for your partnership over the year will go a long way. Another idea is to create a fun holiday video. Create a fun, humorous video that celebrates the season in your unique way. Block out time, make a list, and check it twice on who has been naughty or nice. The key is to schedule this on your calendar.
Use social events as business opportunities.
You’ll likely receive a few holiday party invitations during the month. These can be prime networking opportunities. Review each invite carefully and choose those that stand to expose you to new clients. Find a way to remind those around you that you’re preparing your business for the next year and welcome introductions to others that you can help.
Ask your client for a holiday gift.
You have the opportunity to get a gift from each of your clients. What is the perfect gift to give you? An introduction to another potential client that they know. Introducing you to another client is the quickest way to ensure your business continues growing into the new year. Our clients know other business decision-makers, and you are asking for an introduction to see if there is a fit with what you and your company can offer them. The statistic for asking for a referral is mind-blowing. About 80% of our clients are willing to do an introduction, and only 11% of us ask for one. Put this on your Holiday to-do list and save yourself valuable time prospecting for new clients.
Mind Your Time
Let’s not have a meeting to have a meeting. Remember, fewer people will be available around the end of the year, with many company-paid holidays and vacation time. Review the meetings you have planned for the rest of the year and ask if they are necessary to move your business forward. If so, perhaps you can reduce them from 60 to 30 minutes. It allows your team to do other productive things for their business. It allows time to ensure your processes and systems are in place for the new year.
Optimize Your Downtime
Take advantage of this time. Use this time to think—reflect on your business this past year and prepare for next year by completing your business plan. Set yourself up for success! A business plan promotes productivity, enabling you to set and implement goals while holding yourself accountable to business-building activities throughout the year.
Mind Your Mind
Carve out some time for yourself. Self-care is critical to being ready to face the many challenges in our work and personal life, especially as we prepare for the festivities. Maintaining a balanced life is vital. Be mindful of your sleep and hydration, and keep your health and wellness workouts. We all could use a little time for ourselves.
The holiday season can bring challenges and opportunities. Take the time to celebrate you and all you have accomplished this year. Find a way to make the most of the final weeks of the year; you’ll be able to expand your client base and build good relations with the clients who have been so loyal throughout the year.
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