I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with family and friends. We continued with our tradition of Thanksgiving dinner at my sister’s house. We enjoyed great company and had a wonderful feast. This year, however, we didn’t have a plumbing emergency, for which we were all extra grateful!

Thank you everyone who emailed suggestions regarding letting my son enjoy his newly received driver’s license, while keeping some control over his driving privileges. It seems the consensus of opinion is to NOT give him free reign over the use of a car. Sounds good to me!

As usual this time of the year, I’m re-publishing my annual holiday issue. I hope you enjoy it and put some of the tips into action. Next month look for a brand new article.

Is there something in particular you would like me to address in the newsletter? Email me at Barbara@Raimaker-Strategies.com.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FOR THE HOLIDAYS

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. The following are some concrete ways to do just that.

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 coworkers. 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.

Novel Gift Idea.
Looking for a gift for the attorneys in your life? Whether you are married to a lawyer, or have friends, colleagues, partners or associates who are lawyers, why not help them bring in new business by giving them a copy of my booklet, Business Development: 97 Quick & Easy Tips For Lawyers.

To order, go to my web site at
www.rainmaker-strategies.com or send me
an email at Barbara@Rainmaker-Strategies.com
and I’ll be happy to process your order. Cost is $5.00 for a single copy (plus tax where applicable and shipping).

Making Rain Out of Mist Program. If you are a lawyer ready to take your business development efforts to a new level, my Making Rain Out of Mist step-by-step practice building program may be just the thing. Consisting of a comprehensive workbook and four audio CD’s, the program is designed to help you clearly identify the vision of your perfect practice, including the type of clients with which you wish to work and in what area of law. The program then helps you determine the best marketing strategies to make that vision a reality, and helps you master the subtleties of converting a prospect into a paying client without coming off like a salesperson.

Want to know more? Please contact me directly at Barbara@Rainmaker-Strategies.com or go to my web site at www.rainmaker-strategies.com and click on the Products link.

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.

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