Recognizing your Clients During the Holidays 

Christmas, Hanukkah (Judaism), and Diwali (Hindu) are just some of the more profiled celebrations that businesses acknowledge in today’s global environment.  Whether you know that much about your clients or not there is general agreement in small business circles that clients should receive a Holiday or special greeting at this time of year. 

Cards 

By now we’re probably all familiar with e-cards.  Last year there were numerous funny and endearing e-cards being sent and forwarded on the Internet.  This year there is bound to be even more dazzling e-cards in your inbox.  Personally I don’t think emailing a Holiday e-card to clients does much to show your special appreciation for their business at this time of year. 

If you are going to send out Holiday greetings why not mail out actual cards?  You’ll be sure to stand out as snail-mail is used less and less these days.
 

Offer Discount Coupons

Showing recognition for your clients should be all about them. One way of giving your clients a meaningful gift that they can use for their benefit is by offering them deep discounts on services and products they’ll appreciate.   

Why not put together a deep discount booklet featuring a variety of complementary services and products?  Contact appropriate vendors and come up with a discount Holiday booklet that your clients can use throughout the season and the New Year.

For example, if you own a virtual assistance business you might contact a graphic designer, a ghostwriter and a bookkeeper to create an ideal discount Holiday booklet for small business clients. 

Contacting Your Client…Just Because 

According to Lori Iwan of American Express’ Small Business Open Forum, this season presents a great opportunity for enhancing your client relationships. She suggests contacting clients to express your interest in their business’ well-being and to find out whether or not there is anything that you can do for them at this time.

It’s no secret that many businesses are hurting or are unsure about the future in light the current strain on the economy.  Let your clients know that you are available as they put into place plans to manage current challenges.  They’ll appreciate your business sensitivity and one-on-one approach.  

Whichever way you decide to recognize your clients, just take the time to think about the individuals behind those businesses you work with.  Think about how they have contributed to your business in the past year and how they can play a role in your plans for the upcoming year. 

It’s the special things we do to make clients know we appreciate them that will help to build client loyalty and ultimately our business. 

Of course the season is about far more than business.  Between parenting our children, running businesses, managing jobs or households and life’s daily challenges, we can be busy, busy women. So let’s ensure that we take quality time this Holiday season to spend with those we love and to relish in the moments that we’ll look back on in the years ahead with fondness and a smile. 

And on a personal note, I want you to know that I appreciate you very much.  For this reason, I've put together an in-depth FREE guide which gives you a ten-step blueprint to starting an online business - honestly and profitably - here's to your success!  Go here to download the guide now:

http://www.InternetBasedMoms.com/getting-started-guide.html

May you and those you hold dear have a healthy and joyous Holiday Season!