If you are a new business owner and this is your first holiday season you might not know what to expect. Maintaining the ability to attract customers all year is one thing, but keeping the momentum going over the holiday season is another. As a new business owner you may be struggling with this exact issue right now.
Below are some last minute tips to help boost your profile for your new or even an already established business, during the holiday season:
Send holiday cards to customers and prospects. This is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to stay in touch with your customers and remind them about the value of your business. Including a personal note is a nice touch. Use your customer database to its fullest by sending personalized greetings and thank-you notes to key customers on a year-round basis.
Gift generously. Did you work with a business mentor in the past year? Did someone send a nice chunk of business your way or provide you with some quality leads? The holidays are a great time to network with business contacts, and to remember those who have helped your business, by treating them to a nice lunch or sending a special gift, such as a bottle of wine or box of chocolates.
Get involved and give back. Adopt a local charity such as a food bank, seniors’ home, or other community group close to the hearts of you and your employees. Consider volunteering, providing financial support, or donating your business services to the cause of your choice. Holding a charity event, such as a clothing or toy drive, is a good way to get your customers and employees to participate. Over the course of the year, there are many ways to reach out to the wider community and boost the visibility of your business: Take part in local business events. Join local boards. Sponsor a sports team. Do pro bono work that highlights what your business does best.
Here are some more tips to apply now to keep your company profitable during the holiday season and year round:
Offer gift certificates or gift cards. Gift cards and certificates have never been more popular – and for good reason. They offer convenience to your customers and can help generate sales well into January, and beyond, when gifts are redeemed. They’ve also been shown to reduce the amount of returns (since the giftee makes his or her own selection) and to lead to purchases beyond the face value of the card or certificate.
Market last-minute specials.For last-minute ideas to boost holiday traffic, consider offering discounts on your website for select products or services. If you don’t sell online, a printable coupon or simple flyer can help bring customers to your door. If you have an email list, a carefully crafted message targeting last-minute shoppers might be worth considering.
Holidays are super busy for everyone this time of year so you will want to keep it that way for your business too. Make sure you have all the help you need either through a staffing agency or word of mouth for anyone looking to earn an extra income for holiday gifts. Also make sure to be smart with your money and use the extra cash flow right now as a pad for the next years slow seasons. Go ahead an use your business credit card that is offering great perks or grace periods for the holidays.
Do you feel we left any last minute tips out that would be beneficial for any business owner new or established?
Article Source: Get Growing for Business
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