by Thembe Khumalo
The holiday season is almost upon us, and as you’re heading out to your next Christmas cocktail party, think about how this is the perfect time to infuse some festive flair into your client relationships. To be honest, you may even be a little late in using this golden opportunity to strengthen your professional bonds and make a lasting impression. So, grab your Santa hat, pour yourself something sparkling, and let's explore how to network with a festive twist!
Spread Cheer, Not Just Sales Pitches: Holiday gatherings and events are the perfect settings to connect with your clients on a more personal level. Instead of diving straight into business talk, start by genuinely inquiring about their holiday plans, traditions, or experiences. Show a real interest in what makes this season special for them. Be careful not to make assumptions though, as many people are alone over the holidays.
Give the Gift of Gratitude: A simple 'thank you' can go a long way. Sending a personalized holiday card or a small token of appreciation to your clients can make them feel valued, particularly if they haven’t worked with you for some time. It's a gesture that can leave a lasting impression and set a positive tone for the upcoming year.
Try Hosting a Virtual Holiday Mixer: Pick a fun and exciting topic or anchor idea and invite your clients for a casual chat over Zoom, complete with holiday-themed backgrounds and some virtual games. It's a fun way to bond and show your appreciation, especially for those who are in geographic locations that you can’t get to physically.
Share Valuable Resources: In the spirit of giving, provide your clients with helpful resources related to their business or personal development. Perhaps it's a holiday-themed e-book, planning calendar, a checklist for setting goals in the new year, or a guide to staying productive during the holiday season.
Festive Digital Content: Add a touch of holiday spirit to your email signature. A festive quote or a cheerful graphic can bring a smile to your clients' faces when they receive your emails. You can also try creating festive-themed content for your website and social media. Share your holiday traditions, success stories, or tips for maintaining work-life balance during this busy time. This not only engages your audience but also shows the human side of your brand.
Give Back as a Team: Collaborate with your clients and colleagues to participate in charitable activities. You can collectively choose a cause to support, whether it's donating to a local food bank, sponsoring a family in need, or volunteering your time. It's a wonderful way to bond over shared values and make a positive impact. If your clients don’t want to get involved in person, they may be willing to make a donation (books, food, clothing all go down very well). Remember to acknowledge their contribution publicly as well as privately.
Reflect and Set Goals Together: The holiday season is a natural time for reflection, and one fun activity you could do is bring your individual clients together for a vision boarding or goal setting workshop. Start your session by reviewing the past year's accomplishments and challenges. Then, co-create goals and strategies for the upcoming year. This collaborative approach strengthens your partnership and expands the networks of your individual clients too.
End-of-Year Discounts: Everybody loves a great bargain! By offering special end-of-year discounts or promotions to your clients you can show your appreciation of them. This can be a great incentive for them to continue working with you in the new year and helping you retain their business.
Networking during the holiday season is not about aggressive sales pitches but also shouldn’t be so fun and festive that you forget you have a business to run. Use the opportunity to invest in genuine, lasting relationships. By infusing a festive and personal touch, you can make a memorable impression on your clients, setting the stage for a successful year ahead.
Thembe Khumalo is one of Zimbabwe’s leading voices when it comes to brand-building, business growth and personal development. A winner of multiple awards both at home and in the region, she is the founder and Managing Director of Brandbuilder, a high-performance brand strategy firm that helps entrepreneurial leaders and SMEs achieve visibility and growth through comprehensive brand strategy, creative execution and social media content strategies. Known for her clarity and courage, Thembe Khumalo’s leadership track record includes board positions in listed, unlisted and not-for-profit entities. With more than 20 years in the media and communication industry, she delivers a network of high-level relationships across many industries in several African countries. | thembekhumalo.com | www.brandtobuild.co | askus@brandtobuild.co
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