|
|
Some of us love it and some of us dread it, but there’s no getting
around it – the holiday season is coming! Take out your calendars
folks, because here comes the fun: parties, gifts, family
get-togethers, holiday cards, those lovely trips to the mall, and
don’t forget the wrapping paper. I know you’re busy, but when it
comes to your professional contacts, this is no time to go into
routine mode. But be of good cheer, this will be the easiest “to do”
items on your holiday list.
It’s easy to stay
on your contacts’ radar during the holiday season, in fact, this
time of the year provides a special opportunity to do it. Here’s a
great example. During December, everyone receives a ton of holiday
cards. Just like you, after a while, those cards just don’t end up
having an impact on your contacts. So try this – send Thanksgiving
Day cards! Thanksgiving Day cards give you a head-start on everyone
else by avoiding the December flurry and make your gesture stand
out.
If you think about
it, there are so many little ways you can be of help to your
contacts, particularly this time of year. If you’re stuck, let the
“law of Reciprocity” (see Incentivize Your Contacts Through the “Law
of Reciprocity” found at www.coachnick.com/articles) and the spirit
of the season guide you (which I like to think, share the same
meaning): help others without thinking about ways they can
immediately help you. Don’t worry; it will come back to you. If you
need some more specific ideas, start with these – and remember to
tailor them to your relationships.
|
|
|
-
When shopping for your contacts, consider ordering some
type of monthly subscription (e.g. Magazine, Book of the Month
Club, Wine of the Month Club, etc.) for them. Monthly
subscriptions allow you to stay on your contacts radar throughout
the year while adding value to them.
-
Accept every networking invitation you receive because
December’s events are always the best attended from any other
during the year. Consider inviting your contacts to join you at
these events. You never know who you’ll meet and who can be of
help to you or your contacts. The standard networking rule
applies, but it’s even easier during the holidays: The more people
you network with the greater your chances are of finding someone
who can help you create business opportunities. If you belong to
professional associations, civic groups, volunteer organizations
or other groups, attend these holiday events too. Most
organizations have a holiday celebration sometime during December
and they are always the best attended.
-
Remember those holiday cards? How about putting a little
insert in a card that lists helpful personal tips like sharing a
“Holiday To Do” checklist, or websites with great deals - with
ordering deadlines to guarantee delivery by the holiday.
-
Host a Holiday party at your home: Invite your clients,
advocates and colleagues to drop in. An open house keeps you from
having to spend the entire holiday traveling from place to place,
and increases quality time spent with the people who matter most
to you professionally. You also serve as a resource to your
contacts by creating the opportunity for them to meet your other
contacts and benefit from each others business expertise.
-
Spend some time volunteering. Soup kitchens and groups that
provide holiday dinners for those in need, organizations like the
Salvation Army and Toys for Tots, are all stretched thin during
the holidays and can use all the extra help they can get. By
helping others, you may be able to help yourself too and connect
with another volunteer who can assist with your business.
-
Avoid the crowds: Shop for your professional contacts early
in the month and during slow periods at the mall such as weekdays
or lunchtime. Avoid the weekend and after-work rush. If you start
now, or you shop year-round, then you can steer clear of retail
stores and shop at home through direct mail.
|
