Keeping Your Business Hot During The Cold Months of Winter
For those of you experiencing the bone chilling effects of Jack Frost this winter, I hope you are keeping warm. Being a summer baby, I am dreaming of warmer temperatures. If I could hibernate during winter, I definitely would. And many of you trying to conduct business this winter have probably realized that I am not the only one trying to hibernate.
Have you noticed a correlation between cold temperatures and empty classes? As the temperatures get colder, do you see more cancellations?
If this is the case, then I pose this additional question. How are you combating the winter blues? What are you doing to entice your clients/students to come in? Okay, that was two questions, but I am sure you get where I am going.
It may be cold outside, but there are low cost ways for you to entice your tribe to brave the winter weather and come in. While winter discounts and specials are quick to come to mind, I want to dig a little deeper. I want you to brainstorm on ideas that will set you apart from your competition.
Below is a short list of ideas that you can do to keep traffic coming your way during these cold months. While many of the ideas below are small gestures, they will go a long way with your clients.
- Check in. Reach out to regular clients who you have not seen recently and make sure they are okay.
- No matter how cold it is outside, make sure you provide a warm and inviting environment inside.
- Provide excellent customer service at all times. Don’t let the weather outside prevent you from having a sunny disposition.
- Offer hot chocolate, coffee or tea to help your clients thaw out.
- Offer fun giveaways for those who brave the cold and come in.
- With less traffic through the door, this is an opportunity to provide more attention to each client and develop personal connections.
- Ensure walkways and parking lots are free of ice and snow to keep everyone safe.
- If possible, take the business to them. This may be an excellent time to develop more private sessions if your business lends itself to that.
- Provide services that focus on combating the “winter blues” your clients may be feeling.
- Keep extra scarves, gloves and hats on hand in case anyone is in need.
- Give more than what it is expected. For example, helping those who may need assistance to their cars on a snowy night.
- Make sure to thank your clients for their business and tell them they are appreciated.
This is just a short list of ideas of how to bring a little warmth to your clients during the cold months. Please share some ideas that work for you or that you have seen other businesses use.
Namaste!
Keeley Mitchell is a corporate attorney, a yogi, a mother and adventurer all rolled into one. She launched Zi Living, LLC, a consulting firm for the yoga and wellness industry, to offer the growing number of entrepreneurs in the industry business-minded guidance. A longtime yoga practitioner, Mitchell supports clients in everything from concept development to project planning to sustainability with a perspective that encourages truth and authenticity.
Leave a Reply