How to get business off to a flying start in 2009

Dec 15 2008 by Carole White, The Journal

IT’S that time of year again so why not turn it to your advantage and take the opportunity to remind your customers and contacts that you’ve enjoyed doing business with them?

Better still, how can you attract some new customers now and in the New Year?

Here are 10 festive ideas to get 2009 off to a flying start:

1. Send Christmas cards to all of your customers – those who haven’t dealt with you for a while may be spurred into getting back in touch. If you don’t have time, why not send a festive e-card?

2. If you don’t want to send cards, you could donate a sum of money to charity.

3. If you have premises, invite some of your best customers over for coffee and mince pies, make them feel appreciated!

4. When you send out your cards, include a list of what’s new for 2009. This shows that you’re thinking ahead and may inspire people to pick up the phone in the New Year.

5. If you have products or services to sell, offer gift vouchers so that your customers can share their good experience with their friends and family.

6. If gift vouchers won’t work for your business, try offering an end of year discount or seasonal price offer as an incentive.

7. Run a competition where one lucky customer can win your product/service for free in the New Year (you may have to put a limit on it).

8. Consider offering a free trial to new customers who want to give you a try next year.

9. If you don’t want to give away offers at this point, think about prompting customers to buy now before prices change in January (they could buy now and save).

10. Treat your team (if you have one) to a Christmas meal or festive get together to show your appreciation for their hard work and celebrate the results of 2008, and generate enthusiasm for business in 2009.

December is a good time to get thinking about your plans for next year. If you’ve got a spare half hour, jot down some goals for 2009 so that when trade gets going again in January you know just how you’ll be developing your business over the next 12 months.

Have a Merry Christmas!

If you require any further support or advice, please call TEDCO on (0191) 428-3535, email enquire@tedco.org or visit us at www.tedco.org

Carole White is business support manager, TEDCO