Were you one of the thousands of Americans who enjoyed some time off this summer? Did you find it difficult to schedule meetings with decision makers due to vacations or covering for staff while on vacation? With fall upon us, it’s time to get back to business.
You may have found networking events and educational events during the summer are less attended, but now it’s time to plug back in and set up for a strong fourth quarter.
There are some things that you can do to help drive growth to your business this fall and holiday season.
- Start attending social events again. It is all too easy to fall away from those business after hours during the summer, especially when those warm summer nights are calling you to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Make networking events an important part of your business growth plan, but be sure to have a purpose when you go. Follow-up with those you meet and utilize these events to grow your newsletter list.
- Set up a holiday plan. Are you ready for the holidays? Some business to business clients host a holiday client appreciation event, deliver a thank you gift, or identify those special clients to take to lunch. For retail clients, prepare for major shopping days such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Small Business Saturday. Many monthly publications will require advertising for these three shopping days be set by the first part of October.
- Begin to prepare your marketing plan for 2017. The first of the year will be upon us before you know it. Identify areas of business growth, prepare a budget and a marketing plan on how you will achieve that growth.
Don’t let the hustle of the fall and holiday seasons distract you from planning ahead. Plan, execute and get back into the groove of doing what you do best….your business!
About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long term basis. Core areas of service are business development, marketing, strategic planning and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business growth.