November
2003
********************************************
IN THIS ISSUE
Welcome
Article: Business Development for the Holidays
News and Announcements
Contact Information
********************************************
WELCOME
By the time you receive this Thanksgiving
will be over. I hope you all enjoyed a
wonderful, heartwarming celebration
with family and friends.
The holidays are the perfect time to
connect with clients and contacts.
Whether you are sending holiday cards,
attending a festive open house, or sharing
some quality one-on-one time with top
clients, don’t let the year end without
letting the people in your network know
that you appreciate them. Read on for
some concrete ways to do just that.
********************************************
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Holiday Cards. Take some time to review the
people on your holiday card list. Review the
list to ensure it is up-to-date, adding and
deleting names as necessary, and double
checking addresses. Be sure to personally
sign each card, even if the cards are imprinted
with your company’s name. Also, add a
personal message on each card. Let your
contacts know you are sending this card
because you value them, not just because
‘tis the season to do so. A personal message
has the added benefit of separating your card
from the dozens your contact will likely receive.
Gifts. Many people like to send holiday gifts
to their top clients and referral sources. If this
is something you wish to do, make sure the
gift is personalized to the recipient. In other
words, don’t just send a generic gift basket
or oversized bar of chocolate emblazoned with
your company’s logo. A bottle of fine wine
for the client who is a wine enthusiast, or a
coffee table book on a subject of passionate
interest to your top referral source will mean
much more than a crystal candy dish engraved
with the firm’s name.
Company Holiday Party. This is a great
opportunity to spend quality time with co-
workers. The setting is festive and it may
be a good time to get to know others in
your company with whom you usually
don’t interact. You can also give thanks
to those who have supported, encouraged
and helped you during the year. Treat spouses
who attend the party as individuals in their
own right and not just as the spouse of your
co-worker. Remember, most spouses today
work and are involved in the community.
There may be great networking possibilities
here!
Lunches and Other Get Togethers. When you
are reviewing your contact list with an eye
toward holiday cards and gifts, take note of
those individuals with whom you would like
to spend time over the holiday season. Invite
your top clients, referral sources and other
contacts to share a meal or holiday cocktail.
Attend as many open houses and holiday
parties as you can and practice your power
networking skills – adding value and serving
as a resource to those you meet. This will
extend holiday goodwill well into the New
Year and provide lots of follow-up
opportunities.
Enjoy. Above all, think of the holiday season
as a great time to reconnect with clients and
contacts as well as to meet new people to add
to your network. Add a personal message and
signature to your holiday cards and take the
time to purchase gifts that are personalized to
the recipients. You will be glad you took time
to celebrate the holidays with those in your
network and thank them for all they’ve done
for you during the year.
***********************************************
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Thank you to all who have ordered my
Booklet, Business Development: 97
Quick & Easy Tips for Lawyers. All
preorders have now been processed and
shipped; if you haven’t yet received
your copy, be sure to email me and
let me know.
If you haven’t ordered your copy of my
booklet yet and are a lawyer who wants
to continue a thriving practice or start one,
this booklet is for you. It contains tried
and tested business development tips that
are certain to work for you regardless of
your area of legal expertise and no matter
how long you’ve been in practice.
To purchase your copy of Business
Development: 97 Quick & Easy Tips
For Lawyers, just send me an email at
Barbara@Rainmaker-Strategies.com and I’ll
be happy to process your order. Cost is $5.50
for a single copy (which includes tax).
***********************************************
CONTACT INFORMATION
Barbara Nichols Mencer
Rainmaker Strategies
Barbara@Rainmaker-Strategies.com
www.rainmaker-strategies.com
If you’ve enjoyed this article and learned a valuable
business-building tip, please feel free to forward
this newsletter to your friends and colleagues.
************************************************
Copyright 2003, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction
in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
