'Tis the Season

Getting into the holiday spirit, why not do some good for your business—and for the community you serve. The two go hand in hand.

by Jason Zigmont HowToSell.net [December 10, 1999]

This time of year brings back many memories and feelings. My first sales 'job' was selling Christmas trees for my grandfather. I guess sales is just in my blood. Every day after school, from the time I was about 10, I would go to his house and sell Christmas trees to just about everyone I saw. (I actually got pretty good at this by the time we closed the Christmas tree business five years later.)

Anyway, I love the holidays, and you should too. Not only is it a joyous time of family, fun, and friends, but it provides unparalleled sales opportunities. During the holidays, people are buying new computers, upgrading their old ones, and buying Internet access.

Deck the halls
Are you ready for 'the season'? Do you have gift certificates? Do you advertise your gift certificates? Are you doing anything special for your users or your communities?

Those of you who heard me speak at ISPF, have heard of my Internet Access for Toys program. In my past column on Special Offers, I talked about being creative, so here's a creative program for you:

Most areas of the US have a Toys for Tots program or its equivalent. The idea is simple; people collect toys that are then given to needy children.

To give is blessed
My suggestion is that you give away one month of service (to both old and new customers) in return for a toy that is dropped off at your office for Toys for Tots. With this offer you accomplish three goals at once: You help a worthwhile charity and you build a bond with your existing users while potentially signing up new ones.

And those of you who read my Press Releases column know that when you do something good, you should always tell the press about it. A Toys for Internet access program may just be unusual and newsworthy enough to merit a story. To put the icing on the cake, you might make up a santa@yourisp.com e-mail address and respond to your users' e-mails to Santa. Not only will the children love it, but—as anyone who has done this knows—it's an uplifting experience to respond to dear Santa letters.

Most important in this holiday season is to be merry and safe—and have a Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!

—End