Youre Halfway There!...Or Not Part 2
Now that you have had a chance to create a
game plan for accomplishing your business goals
during the third quarter of this year, let's focus
on the fourth quarter of this year. These last three months of the year are not only crucial
for meeting business goals for this year, they are also
crucial for making sure you head into the next year on track
towards meeting and exceeding future business goals. Here are some ideas for wrapping up this year
on a positive (cash flow and emotionally) note: DURING OCTOBER Create a contest or sponsor an event in your community. If you are creating a contest, think about ways to offer
a prize that will benefit the winner as well as your business.
Make sure the contest entrants are comprised
of your target market. Distribute a press release to help promote
your contest.
Distribute another press release when the contest
is over to announce the winner of the contest,
and to demonstrate how your prize benefited
the contest winner. If you want to sponsor an event, find an event
that will not only give your business appropriate
exposure, but will also give you personal satisfaction. This is also the month to start preparing for a
Holiday promotion if you haven't already.
Jot down some ideas for special offers that you
can give your prospects and clients during the
holiday season.
Offer a different promotion for each group. Your holiday promotion for prospects should
be designed to convert them into clients.
Your holiday promotion for clients should
be designed to keep them as longtime loyal
clients who will continue to increase their
lifetime customer value. DURING NOVEMBER It is time to roll out your
Holiday specials.
Make sure they are sent out during
the first week in November, if not
sooner. You want your business and your special offers
to be on the mind of your target market before
they are drowning in offers and ads from other
companies trying to persuade them to part with
their holiday cash and end of the year budget dollars. It is also time to start reflecting on what has happened
with your business during this year.
Create a Business Journal and write down
business lessons learned, accomplishments,
mistakes made, and future business goals. DURING DECEMBER Wrap up the fulfillment of your
Holiday Special Offers during the
first half of December. Show your appreciation for your
clients by giving them a gift to
thank them for their business this year.
Do this before the second half of December
approaches. Instead of sending a run of the mill calendar
or holiday card, send a unique gift...
A gift that uniquely reflects your business. What can you give your clients that will be
valued and used by them on a day to day basis? How can you make your gift do double duty
by relating it to your business so your clients
will think of your business every time they
use your gift? Even a calendar can go from run of the mill
to a unique tie in to your business by adding
daily or monthly tips to it, and branding it
with your logo. During the last half of December,
give yourself and your business a gift
by slowing down and working less. Take time to enjoy the fruits of your labor
by going on a much deserved vacation,
or by donating your time and money
to your favorite charity. Before you go, don't forget to give your
business the gift of a better future by setting
goals for next year. Continue to create a game plan for your goals,
and by consistently taking action on your plans,
you will give your business a gift that keeps on
giving for years to come. Copyright 2004 Black Unicorn Communications, Inc.
All Rights Reserved Tresaca Hamilton is the CEO of Black Unicorn Communications.
Black Unicorn Communications helps Service Businesses attract more clients in less time. Visit http://www.blackunicorninc.com for a FREE Business Success Toolkit, including the
7 day e-course: 7 Steps To More Clients
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