C. A. B. Tips for Increasing Sales During The Holidays

Central Florida’s economy ranks first in the state and 21st in the nation. This is good news for business owners.

Consider these Central Florida Small Business Facts:

· 98% of the firms in Florida are small businesses. (U.S. Department of Labor)
· Central Florida's job growth for the next five years will be the third fastest in the country.
· The Orlando region has the strongest economy in the state and is the 21st strongest of 361 metro areas nationwide.
· Orlando ranks 5th in job growth nationwide (Global Insight, 2004).
· Metropolitan Orlando is ranked the number one Major Market of the Year (Southern Business and Development, Spring 2004).
· Orlando is ranked fifth among major markets for a favorable business climate (Southern Business and Development, Winter 2003).
Orlando is ranked as the 10th best location nationwide for entrepreneurs (Entrepreneur Magazine, October 2003).
Orlando was chosen as the 11th best large city for doing business in America (Inc. Magazine, March 2004).

Listed below are some suggestions from: The Holidays and Marketing: Advertising During the Holidays by Mariea Andreu.

§ Tie your work in to the season
Ask yourself – what about your business is seasonal?

§ Let people buy gift certificates for your product/service.
If they are going to give stuff…it might as well be yours!

§ Put together an affordable bundle of solutions along with a coupon for service that can be redeemed in the future. This gets customers back into your business during another date.

§ Put together an end-of-the-year and “What’s coming Up” report. A new product or service coming up, a workshop, or new strategic alliance you want to announce.

§ Tie a promotion in to New Year’s Resolutions. What do people resolve to get help with? Weight loss, self-image, saving money, travel, home improvement, etc. Be creative in helping people make their goals.

§ Party for Business. Plan a holiday party at your business and get your existing customers to invite their friends. Instead of worrying about deals you won’t make during the holidays, focus on the spirit of the season and build relationships. Do a give away by collecting business cards and drawing one. After the holidays call your contacts.

§ Attend a party or plan a holiday trade show with other businesses. Ask the organizer if there is an opportunity to give something as a door prize. What do you give? Your product or service of course!

§ Gift giving. This is a great time to let your key customers know they are important to you. Give your business list a little personal attention and pick out something less generic and more meaningful. Perhaps your own label on a special gift basket or certificate?

§ Collateral. Make certain to have plenty of marketing pieces at hand. Business cards, brochures, flyers, sales packets containing “goodies” and reasons for prospects to contact you.

§ Time – Sensitive offers. People respond to deadlines and the end of the year is an ideal time to build those into your service. It’s smart to re-visit your prices every 6 months.

When you do spend money on marketing & advertising, don't forget to create a way to track those marketing efforts. You can do this by coding your ads, using multiple toll-free telephone numbers, and asking prospects where they heard about you. This enables you to notice when a marketing tactic stops working. You can then quickly replace it with a better choice or method.

If you should need help or would like to know more about C.A.B. please email or contact one of our members.

Marlene Hoenig, Director
Coalition of Anointed Businesses