by Susan L Reid
http://YourSamuraiBusiness.com
©
2009 Everyone knows the English Christmas carol, The Twelve
Days of Christmas, that tells of increasing gifts that are given on each of the
twelve days leading up to Christmas. But not everyone knows how this traditional
song applies to small business owners. That is... until
now. As a small business owner, have you given any thought
to how the tradition of gift giving can be useful for your business? With the
countdown to Christmas underway, do you have a plan to utilize this festive holiday
season to promote your business and maximize your success? Well,
here's an effective, easy-to-implement twelve-day plan that will guarantee you
have something special to offer all month long. 12 Things
You Can Do to Make Your Business Merry - On the first day of December
- Get your story, idea, product, or service announcement out into the marketplace
seven different ways, all at once.
Choose from these options to make a
powerful impact.
• Press release
• Blog post
• Facebook
•
E-zine blast
• Email announcement
• Videocast
• Downloadable
audio snatch
• Free e-book
• Podcast
• Teleseminar
- On
the second day of December - Use free classified ads to promote your business.
If
you have a knack for writing short ads, you will be able to increase your site
traffic by using free (or pretty darn cheap) classified ads. Place your ads where
you know your target audience will see them.
- On the third day
of December - Write down your personal affirmation for the month.
The goal
here is to help you step back from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season
and stay focused on what's important to you.
- On the fourth day
of December - Introduce yourself to three potential referral sources.
A
nurturing referral relationship can be quite profitable. So think of professionals
who would be good referral sources for you. Then make contact with them today.
-
On the fifth day of December - Add three success storiesto your website.
You
may already have testimonials from your clients on your website. Now create a
space for their before-and-after success stories. Remember to include a link back
to their sites so everyone gets some love during the holiday season.
-
On the sixth day of December - Add a tantalizing promotional "special"
to your email signature space.
Put a brief promotional line about the special
product or service that you are giving away (or offering at a reduced rate) this
December.
- On the seventh day of December - Write each of your
clients and customers a personalized, hand-written "thank you" card.
Thank
them for sticking with you through the 2009 recession. Be sure to include a coupon
they can use between now and the end of the year for a special product or service.
-
On the eighth day of December - Offer a deal, such as "buy-one-get-one-free."
This will increase your sales!
- On the ninth day of December -
Follow up with all your 2009 leads who showed an interest in your product or service
but didn't buy.
Call (don't email) them and see if they now have a need
for anything you offer.
- On the tenth day of December - Let your
clients know about something big you'll either be doing or offering in 2010.
Here
are some big ways to make an impact and get their attention:
• Book
launch
• DVD training program
• Keynote speaking engagement
•
Public seminar
• Corporate training program
• Boot camp
•
Mentoring and apprenticeship program
• Weekend retreat
• Television
show
• Membership website program
• Special teleseminar series
-
On the eleventh day of December - Take 10% of your profits and make a donation
to a charity of your choice. This one thing alone is sure to make your business
merry.
- On the twelfth day of December - Do something nice for
you.
The countdown to Christmas is underway, and many
people are shopping online this holiday season. As smart small business owners,
you need to offer special buying opportunities all month long. The list of "12
Things You Can Do to Make Your Business Merry" will help you do just that.
Implement one idea each day. You'll not only be promoting your business during
this holiday season, you'll also be making certain it will be a success in the
coming New Year.
Credit:
About the Author: Dr. Susan L. Reid
is a small business expert and business catalyst for entrepreneurial women starting
up businesses. She is the author of "Discovering Your Inner Samurai: The
Entrepreneurial Woman's Journey to Business Success." To download a free
copy of "Turn Your Business Dreams Into Reality Toolkit," which includes
a PDF chapter of her book, go to http://YourSamuraiBusiness.com
Related
Information: NBA
Benefit Provider - PostcardMania NBA
Resource Article - How To Boost
Your Sales During The Holidays NBA
Resource Article - A Whole
New Marketing Mindset Reprint
of this article does not constitute an endorsement by the National Business Association;
the article is for informational purposes for our members and viewers of our Web
site. |
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