What's Your Holiday Focus?

​While important the entire year, come Holiday Season, a greater emphasis is put on hot price points, high sales volume, and beating last year’s numbers. These are all critically important aspects for a successful Holiday Season, but there also are some often overlooked items small business should focus on during the busier holiday months.

​For retail focused small businesses, the Holidays means increased traffic. All your “regulars” show up, and often bring a friend. New customers stop in for that specialty item you have which no one else does. Simply put, more bodies walk through the door. Don’t miss the opportunity to get their information, regardless of purchase. Ask for an email address at time of sale, offer a sign-up sheet for a monthly newsletter, or create a fun Giveaway Contest, email required. An increase of solid leads is a great tool to have and use the other 10 months of the year.
 
For B2B and/or service oriented businesses (retail too, of course), the Holidays provides the opportunity to give thanks, and gifts. Provide all your clients/customers with some small, seasonal “Thank you for your business” gift. These gifts need not be large or expensive – Make them fun, and be sure they are useful or delicious. You may want to give something special to your “best” clients/customers, but it’s more about the thought than the gift. Take advantage of the personal interaction a small business can offer, and the seasonal opportunity to give thanks the Holidays provides.
 
And finally, the Holidays is also a great time to focus on any “cause marketing” initiatives you may have. Make your business/office a collection spot for food, clothing, or toys. Donate a percentage of sales to a local shelter or non-profit. People are in a far more “giving mood” during the holidays – Take advantage of that and use it to help support a cause you believe in.