Three things you could accomplish before lunch today!
1) Spread some smiles by supporting a local fundraiser.
Is there a Scout troop or school group selling wreaths in your town? By now those hard-working kids (and their parents) are probably getting a little worried they won’t sell all they have left. Give ’em a hand by offering to take a half dozen or more at a “bulk rate” that still lets them cover their costs, and then some. Whether you deliver the whole trunk-full to the local assisted-living home – as one business owner I know did last weekend – or drop them off to your top clients, it’s a win-win-win situation for all involved.
2) Play Santa for the local animal shelter.
Head to the pet store, fill up your cart (jumbo cartons of bones, some puppy pads, super-durable toys), stop by the shelter, enjoy the barks of happiness.
3) Do hand-written customer cards NOW.
Actually, this was my suggestion to you last August! In a post about getting your holiday promos done early, I suggested you buy your cards in late summer – or work with a marketing design studio to make your mailing truly unique – and then spend a little time each month hand-writing a note to your top customers.
If you didn’t take advantage of the suggestion back then, here’s a last-minute Plan B. Buy some cards, today! Ask around for some help: a college student already home for break, a high-schooler looking for some extra shopping money. Pay her well for a few hours time spent signing cards and addressing envelopes. Even just a dozen – sent to the right people with personalized comments – can give your business a real boost going into the New Year.