Trimming the Sails of Your Business to the Wind
All kinds of startups should strictly follow the “carpe diem” (“seize the day”) rule. By that I mean: business cannot be static, it should change and develop accordingly to the time and conditions. For example, keeping track of popular holidays and adding a pinch of their spirit to the image of startup when it is appropriate. Christmas, Halloween, St. Valentine’s day, Thanksgiving day are more than just holidays –they are perfect tools for making your customers love and appreciate you more, as well as your products. So don’t lose these opportunities, act accordingly!
Website
There is no need for complete change of design, but don’t hesitate to use some details that will show your customers that the site is alive and exists in the same universe with them. Treat it the same way you treat seasonal decorations of your home: mistletoe and snowflakes around Christmas, hearts as St. Valentine’s day, jack-o-lanterns at Halloween, and so on. Just don’t overdo it – a slight, non-intrusive change of design on the main page will be more than enough.
Services
Coordinate your specials to holidays and other important events. “A special one-time offer, only here and only now!” Turn this sentence into a guide to successful implementation of the possibilities provided by this holiday. It doesn’t matter what business you are in – you may create a temporary service or just give a discount for an old one, it doesn’t really matter as long as it brings profit to your customers. However, don’t get carried away – there is no need for actions that will cost you lots of money.
Social networks
Social networks are always an excellent tool for engaging customers; the key is to use them in a way that would emphasize the human touch. Show your company as an organization that is interested in holidays, that congratulates its clients, gives them presents. Depending on the holiday in question you may create special games and contests, offer prizes in order to engage your customers into communication. You could even give them a possibility to choose what they would prefer – a particular service, discounts or, perhaps, a small present from your company. This or that holiday is a great opportunity to attract the target audience to your social network public pages: entertain your customers, offer them something for free – a little sacrifice right now may turn them into your faithful clients for years to come.
Attitude
If you have been an entrepreneur for a while, you cannot overestimate the importance of a proper attitude. And I don’t mean traditional smiles and congratulations. Everybody does that. Try something new. Create the feeling of comfort, make your customers feel cozy. Turn your startup into a place where clients would come to take a respite from their hectic lives, where they know they are welcome.
Co-workers
As an entrepreneur, you should worry about the comfort of your clients in the first place, that is obvious. However, the functioning of your startup fully depends on the working capability of your colleagues. Motivate them. Not only by your own example (though it is also important) and not only with the promises of future profit. Let them have their moments of relaxation, build up the spirit with something like small parties or movie nights on Fridays. They will appreciate it.
Following the spirit of the times isn’t easy and requires you to constantly be in touch with the situation in general. You and your co-workers will need lots of dedication and patience in order to cope with all the necessary work, but bear this in mind – eventually your efforts will pay off.
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