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Guest Post: The Holiday Networking Dance

11.07.2018 by Elizabeth // Leave a Comment

This week’s guest post is from my friend and master networker – Stephanie Arnheim of Stephanie Connects!

Do you ever find that when November comes and it gets darker earlier, you walk into a store and holiday decorations are everywhere? Your mind goes NO it can’t be!

Halloween is barely done and the stores are filled with holiday gear and yet your mind has to stay focused on business. How are you going to get motivated to go network with all of these distractions?

The thought of networking at this time of year can feel overwhelming yet it is actually a great time to make some key connections to help your business grow. Imagine that you are like the Sugar Plum Fairy and stay on your toes!

Here are some easy and fun ways to make the most of networking during the holidays:

Holiday Cards

Take the time to write special holiday cards to clients, potential clients and referral partners. Tip: Start now so that it doesn’t get overwhelming as your list will be larger than you think. Share something you really liked about working with them or meeting with them.

Events

Remember getting leads for your business can come from many places. A family gathering, a neighborhood holiday party or business holiday event can all be great places to meet potential clients or referral partners.

1:1s

Many networking groups don’t meet as often during this time of year. Take this opportunity to schedule some key 1:1s with people you’ve been too busy to connect with. Show that you are conscious of their time during the busy season: doing a Zoom call is a great way to reach others for a key meeting.

Social Media 

Use Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to wish others a happy holiday. These are great ways to stay in front of people so they remember you even if you aren’t at a networking event.

Be of Service

Many people feel overwhelmed as the holidays creep closer. Rather than concentrating on your business pitch, this is the time to be a good listener and ask questions such as “How can I help?”  This can be very comforting and show that you care and that you are a valuable asset to them, now and in the future, and chances are you will learn something meaningful about them and their business.

Balancing your time between family, fun and business can be a dance. Have fun with this time of year. Reach out to those by phone instead of email. If you have trouble figuring out what to say, where to go or how to do this kind of networking let me know. For other fun tips to help you get through the holidays, download my Holiday Networking Survival Guide to help you make the most out of this holiday time.

Happy Connecting!

Stephanie Arnheim is a Business Networking Strategist and Master Connector. With her business Stephanie Connects, Stephanie educates people on how to reach the next level in their business using simple daily practices. Her clients learn to overcome fears associated with networking and dynamically connect with their key customers and business resources in powerful ways.

Categories // Holidays, Networking

Holiday Season Marketing Plans

11.20.2017 by Elizabeth // Leave a Comment

It’s Thanksgiving week which means it’s time to figure out what all needs to get done by the end of the year for your business and with your marketing efforts. I’ve written about this before – so instead of rehashing it – I’m just repurposing those blog posts for you this week.

December Decisions for Solo-Prenuers – What do you need to consider doing this holiday season? I have 5 things you should consider, but don’t worry – you don’t have to do them all!

It’s Not Too Late to Think About the Holiday Season – Small Business Saturday is, well, this Saturday. There’s still time to act and a few other ideas to consider.

3 Holiday Questions for Your Business – You know how I feel about things in 3’s – here’s 3 holiday ideas to make sure you consider!

5 Things to Tell Your Client at the End of the Year – You’re moving? Your pricing structure is changing? Rates increasing? Here’s what you need to remember to inform your clients of over the next few weeks…

Have a great Thanksgiving, make sure to take a break and relax, I promise the work will still be there when you get back to your desk in a few days!

Categories // Holidays

December Decisions for Solo-Preneuers

12.06.2016 by Elizabeth // Leave a Comment

norm picking the perfect treeThe end of the year can cause a lot of anxiety for many small business owners. We’re trying to squeeze all we can out of the year, wrapping up projects and getting prepared for the big exciting projects coming in the New Year. From a marketing perspective there’s a few decisions you have to make as well that I thought I’d remind you of. Don’t stress out – none of these are required, all of them are worth making sure you consider!

  1. Your December Newsletter – if you send out a regular newsletter, when should you send it out? The last week of the year is often a dead time to send newsletters since so many people are on vacation. And how far into the week before Christmas can you send out a newsletter? My suggestion is to send it by the 21st. If you don’t send a regular newsletter – consider sending out a Happy New Year email newsletter in January when inboxes aren’t quite as clogged (wait till the end of the first week of January so inboxes are cleaned up from vacations)
  2. Client Gifts – If you plan to send gifts to clients make sure you have them ready to send by the 2nd week of December and hopefully get them sent out that same week. Pro Tip – I like making a donation in my client’s honor, no one needs more stuff, and this is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation and give to an organization (CPA husband tip: donations are tax deductible!)
  3. Holiday Cards – I was labeling holiday cards today to send out to our friends and family and I know many businesses also send out email or mail holiday greetings – if this is on your to do list get them in the mail at least a week before Christmas to ensure delivery. And if you’re card is more general or you prefer, aim for Happy New Years and mail them out the week of New Years when you might be less busy!
  4. Prep for Early January – If you’re taking time off at the end of the year – make sure to consider what tasks you typically accomplish at the end of the month and beginning of the month. Make sure to do these in advance if you can, or add them to the top of your to do list when you return to your office!
  5. Take a Break! I’m a big fan of taking time off, especially if my clients are. I know that most of my clients will be on vacation and taking time off the last two weeks of the year, and I plan to take most of that time off as well. It’s certainly not required, but if your schedule allows, take some time to rest so you aren’t exhausted in January!

What other year end tasks and “December Decisions” do you have?

Categories // Holidays, Lessons Learned, Marketing

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Yellow Dog Consulting is a sales and marketing firm located in Hillsboro, Oregon with clients around the world. We work with small business owners who love what they do, but the sales and marketing part of their job sucks their will to live.

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