7 Steps to Simple Holiday Marketing

Tis the season for parties, gift giving AND networking. While many small business owners think December is a time to put marketing on the back burner, we think otherwise. The holiday gatherings can be a good time for small business owners to market. Why? A key Guerrilla Marketing tactic is networking, and networking is a natural during the holiday season. A few suggestions:

1. Be prepared. Before attending a holiday event, find out who will be there and how they are connected to the host(s). Mentally prepare some questions that you can rely on to create an interactive conversation.

2. Skip the elevator pitch and hand out business cards only when requested. Keep in mind that holiday gatherings are different from business networking meetings. While a guest may be from a company you’d love to work with, pitching him or her in the midst of the holiday gathering may not be in your best interest. Instead, greet your contact warmly and sincerely, using eye contact.

3. Spend more time asking questions and listening than talking. Ask relevant questions, and listen carefully to the answers. Maybe you’ll strike up a conversation with, "How has business been going?” or “Who are your ideal clients/customers these days?” or “Any new business plans for the New Year?” Spending more time listening than talking is a key Guerrilla Marketing concept we encourage all of our clients to master.

4. Be prepared with your own reply to "What's new?" -- something concise but intriguing, such as "Our graphic designer just knocked our socks off with another outstanding logo design and visual identity for a new client.” If the person's eyes glaze over, move on to another topic. But if they ask questions, continue the conversation with short bits of information, keeping it a give-and-take exchange. You’re sharing your expertise and how you work with others.

5. Develop a strategy to stay in touch after the holidays. If appropriate say, “I'm planning a new workshop with red hot marketing tips for small businesses. If you’d like, give me your card and I'll put you on our list and send some information."

6. Take advantage of automation to remain top of mind. We encourage small business owners to adopt a simple, effective, online system to make follow up a snap: www.boosyourbottomline.com/resources/tools.shtml

7. Have fun! Being with someone who is enthusiastic and interesting is a powerful draw. If you're at the right place at the right time, you’ll not only enjoy the holiday gathering; you could also make some very profitable business connections for the New Year.

Want to learn how to maximize your networking during the holiday season and beyond? Sign up today at www.boostyourbottomline.com/freebie for your free Jumpstart Coaching call.

© 2008 BoostYourBottomLine.com

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