How to Use the Holidays to Build Business

The holidays present the opportunity to send cards and token gifts without recrimination. You can touch base with people who you have lost touch with and avoid feeling awkward about it.

Over the years I have received numerous holiday gifts from business associates, some more expensive than others. As the holiday approaches, I am always reminded of the people who have been creative and innovative in sending me a holiday gift. Among the creative gift/trinket items that I have received were an oversized chocolate bar (my favorite since I am a chocoholic) with the company name on it, a funky desk calendar, holiday wrapping paper, ornaments for my tree and many more. In any case, the gift puts that person back in the loop. It forces me to think about the person that sent the item and what it is that they do. It makes me consider them as a resource. They move to the top of my memory book. Remember, that's the system that helps me prioritize my referrals and people that I can help get business.

To get yourself back in someone's memory book, put your creative hat on. Don't just go out and buy a box of holiday cards. Be clever. After Thanksgiving I scoured the stores for a clever memento. Turkeys are a perfect door opener. I found the perfect item-honeycomb turkey place cards at 50% off. I can't imagine what I am going to do with them, but something will come to me. In fact, there are quite a few people I have lost touch with during my recent move. I've got it! I am a turkey for not staying in touch. The place cards are fat with a place for a personal message. When they arrive in the envelopes (orange of course) I know the recipients will open them to see what's inside. This is an inexpensive yet creative way to say REMEMBER ME!

By JoAnn Hines

JoAnn Hines "packages" people. She makes it easy for others to transform their careers in much the same way she did. Her "how to" workbooks, informative articles, and tutorials demonstrate the steps to take career and professional development to the next level. She believes in the power of her experience and advice. As a result much of her advice is free or is offered for a nominal charge.