The Season's Best Business Advice

It’s the week before Christmas and staffs of all levels are hustling and busting to get things wrapped up before year-end.  As hectic as this time of year may be, the holiday season provides a great opportunity for all businesses to prepare themselves for more success in the upcoming months within the New Year. 
 
Below, is some of the season's best business advice.
 
Deck the halls with good, strong branding
During the holidays, your brand may not be forefront on your customers’ minds unless it offers a product or service that coincides with an item on their holiday lists.  But, don’t let this dissuade your team from preparing for the after-season rush when your customers are less distracted and ready to hear from you.  Be courteous and visible to your customers throughout the holiday season.  So, when it’s over, your customers will remain loyal to your joyous brand. ​

'Tis the season to be branding
Fa la la la la la la la!
 
We now send our best direct mailings
Fa la la la la la la la!
Songs of joyous branding wonders
Fa la la la la la la la!
 
See the blazing brand before us
Fa la la la la la la la!

Your customers are going online
At the moment, your customers may be spending most of their time online, shopping for the type of gifts that your brand may not offer. Whether they’re going to your website or not, don’t stop giving your digital presence the attention that it deserves.  Use this time to ensure that all web content is current and relevant.  This is also the perfect opportunity to make those back-end site updates that will help improve SEO - and to evaluate and respond to any customer reviews made about your company and brand. ​

You better watch out
You better update
Better not sit
I'm telling you why
Your customers are going online
They’re making a list
And checking reviews;
Gonna find out who’s worthy and right
Your customers are going online

Have a holly jolly company
With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season it can be easy to give less focus than you should to your staff.  Don’t just have a holiday party and then check your team off your list.  Bring cheer to the office by openly communicating next year’s strategic goals and objectives so that your staff can start planning and preparing now.  Greet your employees with a smile and don’t forget to let them know how much you appreciate them.

Have a holly, jolly company
it's the best time of the year
 
I don't know if there'll be cash
but have a cup of cheer
 
Have a holly, jolly company
and when you walk down the halls
say hello to staff you know
and everyone you meet

The twelve days of selling
Between now and the end of the year, there is actually less than 12 business days available to sell.  But, that shouldn’t stop you from trying to close a few more deals.  Depending on what you’re selling, sales are either at their annual peak or they’re slowing down until the first of the year.  If you’re the case of the latter, this is the time to make sure that your CRM is updated and current so you’re ready when things start to pick back up.  ​

On the first day of selling
my sales team sent to me:
12 Responding Prospects
11 New Decisions
10 Leads Awaiting
9 Replies to Emails
8 Completed Demos
7 Returned Phone Calls
6 Quotes Requested
5 Customers Converted
4 Contracts Pending
3 Answered Phone Calls
2 People Talking
and another Goal that Has Been Met

Make the most the most of the time you have left in the office, but then be sure to take time and enjoy the holidays.
 
Break Ice Marketing wishes each of its clients, followers and readers a season of good health, happiness and much success.