Remaining Accountable in the Midst of Holiday Cheer (And Stress)

It seems that every time December rolls around, someone hits the fast forward button on life. Suddenly, moving at ten times our normal capacity, everything requires our immediate attention: work is piling up, the kids are out of school and requiring extra time (which you obviously want to give), presents need to be wrapped, lights are waiting to be hung, oh and there’s a foot of snow between you and all of these said goals. It’s important to remember to balance these aspects of your life—and, where your job is concerned, it’s important to remain in touch with clients. Despite all of the tempting distractions (food, friends, family, etc.) it’s vital that you stay a reliable contact for your clients. Here’s how: Set Reasonable Guidelines Taking a week off to celebrate the winter holidays? Perfectly fine. Just be sure your clients are aware that you’ll be out of the office and out of contact. On the other hand, abandoning them the whole month of December because you’re swamped with other things won’t go over well. We know you’ll be busy, but they’ll appreciate your timely responses and assistance with whatever they might need, since December is a busy time for everyone, your clients included. Remember Important Things The anniversary of your client engagement? Send them a note, thanking them for their year(s) of business. December or January birthdays? Wish them well with a handwritten note or small gift. Or consider a social media shout out—it’ll make them feel special, and bonus it shows potential clients how you care about your clients. Don’t Send them Clutter You may be tempted to up your mailings of newsletters or special holiday somethings. This may work. But be sure that you’re delivering valuable content—be it a holiday gift or a nice promotional discount. But double-check all of your content being sent out. What’s normally tolerated and welcomed at other points of the year may come off as “junk mail” during this hectic time. Be Cheerful According to Buddy the Elf, “the best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.” Now, we’re not saying you have to sing to your clients—in fact, please don’t. But we are advising you to remain cheerful during this potentially stressful month. Nothing frustrates clients more than snippy salespeople—they’ll feel as if you don’t have time for their problems, which may permanently strain your client relationship. If you’re talking to a client, put aside your holiday stresses, because they translate.

Unique Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Clients

Well folks, Thanksgiving has officially passed. The turkeys have been eaten, the potatoes mashed and slathered in gravy and the pumpkin pies all devoured (even when we all thought it impossible to eat dessert—way to persevere). Now that Thanksgiving is over, the winter holiday season is officially in full swing (cue: Jingle Bell Rock). This fact makes now a perfect time to start planning your corporate holiday gifts—because your clients deserve a gift that’s thoughtful and not last minute. Here are some holiday client gift ideas that will make your company stand out. Remember, it’s important to show your clients that you appreciate their business, even if it’s with a small little something. A set of coasters. Everyone has this special work drink (be it coffee, tea, water or whatever). Recognizing this fact and giving a nice, thoughtful gift can go a long way. Just beware selecting anything with too much personality. Opt for neutral colors and shapes with a simple pattern. A set of letterpressed thank you notes. Practical and affordable, our favorite combination. The letterpressed quality adds a little something extra that they couldn’t pick up at a discount store. Gift certificates to the coffee shop down the road. If they’re coffee drinkers, this nice gift can be as large or small as you’d like. Perhaps package the gift card in a nice travel thermos. Party drink recipe handbook. With the holidays upon us, many of your clients will be hosting gatherings. Give them a nice collection of drink ideas (perhaps ask your office employees to contribute their favorite holiday drink and have a book printed and bound) and they’ll think of your company each time they reach for it. Gourmet food basket. Food is always a fantastic option. Look for something unique that you think they’ll find appealing (perhaps a basket of unique olive oils, a collection of local cheeses or a sampling of baked goods from your favorite local bakery). Bottles of regional wine. Show off your local winery by ordering a bottle (or case) of regional wine. Just be sure to know if a) your client drinks wine and b) if they prefer red or white. Donation in the name of their favorite charity. Include some personality in delivering this message if it suits your company’s brand (“We donated the equivalent of four paperweights and two deluxe fruitcakes to Heifer International in your name.”) This philanthropic approach can warm hearts everywhere, and makes your clients look great. Hire a barista for their office for a morning. Looking for something a little more creative? This gift idea will surely show your appreciation—and it offers them a specialty drink, rather than the black coffee offered in their break room. Send the office to a reserved movie theater for a special showing just for them. December brings about great holiday flicks. Rent out a theater room or buy movie passes for their office and send them out for a nice treat.