By Rhonda Abrams – USA Today:
1. Party on! Now’s the time that many organizations and large companies hold holiday parties. These parties present a great opportunity to network, meet potential new clients or referral sources for the new year. If you need to build your business (and who doesn’t?) attend as many parties as you can and bring your business cards. Just don’t drink too much egg nog.
2. Send holiday cards. The holidays give you a perfect excuse to stay in touch with current and past customers. Sending a holiday card is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to remind someone about your business. In my company, we send out hundreds of holiday cards to people we do business with throughout the year. We order cards with our company name imprinted in the card and on the envelope to reduce work, and we keep our holiday list up-to-date throughout the year.
3. Give Gifts. The holidays are a great time to remember and thank those who help your business thrive. One of the nicest ways to show you appreciate what they’ve done is with a modestly priced gift. It doesn’t have to be elaborate; in my company, we send chocolates. Don’t forget those who help you every day; many businesses give holiday bonuses to employees as well.
4. Create holiday specials. Aren’t those gift baskets you see enticing? You can create them for your business too, even if you have a service business. If you do sell products, you can purchase gift baskets to wrap a number of items together. If yours is a service business, consider adding related physical products to make the gift more tangible. For instance, bundle a gift certificate for a drycleaners with a lint brush or fancy hangers; a dog groomer can bundle a gift certificate for a grooming with pet toys.
5. Offer gift certificates. Do you sell gift certificates? Why not? Even if you’re in the carpet cleaning business, someone might purchase a rug cleaning as a gift for a friend or family member. If this is your slow season, one way to increase cash flow now is to offer customers gift certificates at a discount; regular customers can buy them to use later, providing you with an infusion of cash.
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[…] Below is the current list. If you have anymore to add, please let me know. Iwww.tondeestavern.comTips For Small Business Holiday SuccessTips For Small Business Holiday Success November 26th, 2007 By Rhonda Abrams ?? USA Today: 1. Party […]