Seven sales tips for the holidays
Holiday season can mean many things to you and your customers; the extra pressure of the end of the year, scrambling to improve numbers and to clean house before tax season, the seasonal slump and office parties creating a general lag in business. Whatever the situation, your business can benefit! With these seven holiday sales tips, you can come through the foggy end-of-the year haze with your fires brightly burning!
- Use your media outlets and acknowledge the holidays. While you never want to alienate potential customers or appear politically incorrect, there is nothing wrong with a simple holiday greeting posted up on your website, in your window or in your monthly newsletter. Just remember to be fair and respectful in your acknowledgment.
- Create a holiday promotion. Create a quick and easy email marketing campaign and advertise a special holiday promotion. Offer this discount or deal to any and all existing customers and reach out to previous customers or on-the-fence potentials. Make it different from usual, offering an exclusive service, pertinent to the holidays.
- Don't underestimate a little holiday cheer. A little goes a long way; a simple update of your web banner, email tagline or newsletter to include festive holiday tid-bits can create a seasonal mood that can invite a more generous and giving spirit with your customers.
- Utilize the holiday partying fever. With get-togethers, social gatherings and parties on every agenda, use your networking skills to their greatest advantage. Pack in as much as you can, taking advantage of these easy to hit markets by attending equipped with business cards, flyers or just a friendly soft-pitch. Don't make it all about the business but do not shy away from light marketing during the holidays.
- Keep communication fluid. During the holidays, if you plan on adjusting work hours, closing or even extending your business hours, let your customers know well in advance. Send an email blast and use word of mouth to ensure that your customers are not caught off guard by your adjusted holiday schedule.
- Thank everyone. Take time out to create a sincere thank you agenda; thanking your customers, suppliers and vendors and colleagues. A simple email, a mention in your newsletter and as many verbal encounters as possible go a long way in keeping your relationships solid into the New Year.
- Don't get lazy. Set goals to reach during December and January to help prevent slipping. Striving to reach these goals will keep you on your toes during a season of otherwise general, widespread malaise.