December is a time of reflection on the year behind us. Remembering the good and bad and then taking what we’ve learned to make the next year even better. I believe that it is so important to take that time to slow down and remember everything you did right (so easy to dwell on things that went wrong but what we did right is just as important!) and then build on that for the next year.
It’s very hard to plan for what exact sales you’ll have, but you can certainly plan for what marketing you want to do and then get that on your calendar. I love to do events. Staying in
touch with my best clients by throwing them a party is so much fun for both me and them, and it’s great for business! For me, events fall into two different categories:
Business mixers – my business partners tend to be the most connected people and they
understand the importance of receiving referrals. The more I can do to introduce them to people that can also help them, the more they are thankful for me and want to reciprocate.- Client parties – showing my gratitude to those who have done business with me or referred me over the years by throwing them a party is so amazing for my business. People can tell that I am genuinely thankful for them and it makes them feel good to give back because they feel appreciated.
Depending on your role these might change a little, but the general concept remains the same. Throwing a party is fun and good for business – a win win!
Having done this for a while, the way that I’ve learned to get the best attendance is to be a little bit on the obnoxious side. Everyone is busy and it’s so easy to lose track of time. Sometimes I feel like I’m being obnoxious, but my clients always say “I’m so glad you called, when is your party again? I know I got an invitation but I don’t know where it ended up.” Everyone wants to be bothered when it’s about going to a party! So, here are the steps that I have used.
- Pick a date. This date should be at least 6 weeks away if you can.
- Put together an invitation list. Can be done after step 3, but don’t procrastinate too long! This step can take more time than you’d think if you don’t have all the contact information you need.
- Design an invitation. We tend to send postcards, but it depends on the event. Send it to get printed.
- Mail the invitations so that those being invited receive it about 3 weeks before the event.
- Shortly after they receive the mailed invitations, also send an email invitation.
- Call behind the invitation and make sure they saw it and that they know they are invited because of how much you appreciate them. This is the true power of the event – personal interaction with your clients. Whether they can make it or not isn’t the point, what is going on with their lives and how can you help is the point.
- The day before text all those who have RSVPed to remind them of the time and location.
- Enjoy the party!
- The day after send thank you notes to all who attended. Mention things that you may have talked about to solidify how important they are to you and that you were paying attention to your conversation.
As we get into 2018 this is a great time to get out your calendar and pick out the events that you would like to do and put them in first, before other things crowd them out.
Let’s have a fun and gratitude filled 2018!