Did you know that this is the best time of year to generate the leads that will become referrals and transactions next year?
Take advantage of the holiday season
The holiday season creates myriad opportunities for your clients to tell people all about you and the great services you provide.
Make sure you’re at the top of their minds while they’re socializing with their loved ones, neighbors and friends by connecting with them now.
Although a quick phone call or email is a great first step, take it deeper by adding a personal touch. This not only means more to the recipient, but it also builds trust and gives you an opportunity to find ways to serve them better.
Remember, it’s the seemingly small gestures that have the biggest impact on your business.
Bring a gift
Pop-bys are a quick and fun way to connect with your favorite clients. Tap into the spirit of the season with your pop-by gifts.
Bring your clients their favorite warm beverage, baked treat or another small token of appreciation for their business and referrals. It’s not the gift itself that’s important but the intention behind it.
A twist on the pop-by is the reverse pop-by, where you have your clients come to you to pick up a gift.
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A popular idea with our Buffini & Company members is to order pies for their best clients and invite them to pick up their pie within a certain time window.
When your clients stop by, use it as an opportunity to thank them for their business and remind them that you’re never too busy for any of their referrals.
Write a nice note
Personal notes are another small gesture that can have a long-lasting impact. Take the opportunity to thank your clients for their business and wish them well during the holiday season with a personal hand-written note.
By taking the time to handwrite a note, as opposed to typing a text message or email, you show the recipient that you care. This not only makes them feel special, but it also makes you more memorable.
Have a party
Client appreciation parties are a great way to celebrate the season with your clients.
Whether you plan an intimate dinner party with a few of your top referrers or a grand bash with your clients and their families, a client appreciation party shows that you’re thankful for their business and that you wish to nurture your relationships with them.
It also creates an opportunity for them to meet other great folks and expand their social networks.
Don’t lose sight of the goal
Don’t forget about monthly marketing materials. Consistently sending monthly marketing materials (emails, video updates, print flyers, etc.) helps build trust with your clients.
Your goal with these should be to provide value about the market, topics of interest to your database and position yourself as an expert. Not only will your clients appreciate the helpful information, but often, they’ll also share it with others allowing you to tap into their network.
Take advantage of the opportunities for interaction that happen naturally throughout the season. Remember, the seeds you sow now will grow into the relationships and referrals that will drive your business all year long.
Need help getting started? Download and print our fall pop-by tags, and start connecting with your best clients over the holidays.
Brian Buffini is the Chairman and Founder of Buffini & Company. You can follow Brian and Buffini & Company on Facebook.