It’s August. And you know what that means…

Holiday marketing time!

Every year, as we’re all still thinking about sand and waves, ice cream and popsicles (or battling an unrelenting heatwave), I remind you to start planning for the holidays. And every year, it seems strange to think about something months away in a season so foreign from what we are currently experiencing.

And, perhaps, no year is stranger to be planning festivities than this year.

We are still in a pandemic. Guidance is still to wear a mask, stay 6 ft. apart, and avoid gatherings with those outside our household. If there was ever a year when it would make sense to take a pass at hosting a holiday event for your clients and customers, this would be that year. Right?

I’d actually argue the opposite.

This year, more than any other, it is even more important to connect with clients and customers.

Along with the unspeakable tragedies of loss of loved ones, homes, jobs… one of the biggest struggles people are facing is feeling isolated.

One thing I’ve noticed these past few months is how busy those in my own circle are these days. But not everyone is doing double duty trying to work a full day while also juggling logging kids on to Zoom for class. Not everyone has a weekly Zoom call with friends. Not everyone has formed a quarantine bubble that fills their day with community and connection.

Some people live alone.

Some couples are staying at home.

And some are just missing that sense of belonging that comes from seemingly insignificant daily interactions.

So, if ever there was a time we could use some holiday cheer, now is the time.

While we still need to maintain our physical distance, there are plenty of creative ways to let your clients know that you are thinking of them this holiday season and spread some joy.

Holiday Activities that Maintain Physical Distancing

• Drop off holiday cookies and gifts at their home
• Hold a drive-by toy drive. A great way to see your customers face-to-face while serving your community
• Host a virtual happy hour with a twist!
  • Mixology 101: You provide the ingredients. The mixologist provides the lesson!
  • Comedic Relief: Hire a professional comedian to bring those belly laughs straight into your customers’ living rooms.
  • Game Night: There are many games like trivia and bingo that easily lend themselves to the screen. But there are many apps popping up as well to up your virtual game!
  • Paint Party: I recently joined a virtual paint party… which to be honest I NEVER would have done in person. It was fun. And I wasn’t as terrible at painting as I thought I’d be.

Depending on your client base, you may choose to mix it up and do a different type of event for different customer groups. Whatever way you choose to connect, make sure it is authentic to you and your brand.

Despite the crises we are experiencing as a nation, we can still show customers we appreciate them. We can still bring joy. Laughter. Connection.

Happy Holiday… Planning!

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Jacqui Genow

Brand & Business Strategist

J. Genow Marketing

Jacqui Genow is the founder and principal of J. Genow Marketing. She works with clients in aligning their brand message, building their marketing roadmap, and helping them stay on track to move their business forward. As a Brand and Business Strategist, her focus goes beyond marketing; making the connections between how marketing decisions made today can impact a client’s business in the future. You can find Jacqui on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.

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