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The holiday season is upon us, bringing a month of extremes for businesses. Depending on your industry, you may already be in the midst of long hours and fast-paced order fulfilment. Or you’re experiencing the post-Thanksgiving slowdown and struggling to keep your team engaged.
Still, business is business, and December is not just a time for festive decorations and celebrations.
It’s an important period for maintaining connections with clients, prospects, suppliers, and partners. As the year winds down, here are some effective strategies to ensure your business stays connected and engaged during the holiday season.
Holiday Newsletters:
When it comes to holiday hours and any operational changes, sending out a holiday newsletter is a simple yet impactful way to keep your clients and partners informed. Highlight any adjusted opening hours, special promotions, or important updates. Remember to update your website and automated greetings on your company phone system, too. Use the newsletter as an opportunity to express gratitude for their support throughout the year and share any exciting plans your business has for the upcoming year. Make sure to craft a festive and eye-catching design to capture their attention.
Live Receptionist Services:
The holiday season can be chaotic, with staff taking time off for vacations or personal celebrations. Ensure that your business remains accessible by utilizing a professional live receptionist service. A live receptionist can answer calls, take messages, provide information, and even schedule appointments, creating a seamless experience for your clients. This not only maintains professionalism but also ensures that no business opportunities are missed during the festive period.
Social Media Engagement:
Leverage the power of social media to stay connected with your audience. Share holiday-themed content, such as behind-the-scenes glimpses of your team working hard (or celebrating!), festive promotions, or even a countdown to the New Year. Encourage your clients to share their own holiday experiences related to your products or services. This not only fosters a sense of community but also keeps your brand at the forefront of their minds.
Charitable Gifts:
Take the time to send a personalized holiday greeting to your clients and contacts. In place of a gift or a card sent by mail, why not offer a charity donation instead? Swap the cost of gifts and cards for a financial donation to a charity of your choosing and make the donation on behalf of your clients. This gesture is more meaningful and memorable than a corporate keepsake and makes a significant difference to those in need.
Check in with Suppliers and Partners:
Your suppliers and business partners will have their own festive agenda. Check in with them to find out when they plan to close for the holidays, and whether there are any operational changes you need to know about. For example, you will likely need to plan for longer lead times and delayed deliveries over the holiday period.
Staying connected with clients and partners during the holiday season is not just about maintaining business relationships; it’s an opportunity to show appreciation and strengthen the bond for the year ahead. By implementing these strategies, your business can navigate the busy holiday period while ensuring that the people important to your business feel valued and engaged. After all, the holidays are not only a time for celebration but also a time to connect and build lasting relationships.
Need a little customer service help over the holidays? Our partner, Alliance Virtual Offices, offers a professional Live Receptionist service to help businesses stay connected all year round. Plans start from just $125 per month for live call answering, client intake, and appointment scheduling from friendly, experienced professionals. https://ps.alliancevirtualoffices.com/LP098
