We all go a bit mad at this time of the year, from a business point of view I mean. We can’t help but organize to catch up with anyone vaguely related to our business for a bit of Yuletide cheer. And when we are not doing that we are dashing off gifts to important customers and going slightly deranged writing a plethora of Christmas Cards.

But we are actually wasting our time.

A few years ago I remember going to hear a sales guru speak, his name is Jack Daly and if you ever get the chance to see him, do. One of the points that he made was that everyone makes a fuss about Christmas, so your card/gift/drinks invitation gets lost in the melee of a thousand others. No one remembers it

So his advice was, don’t bother with Christmas, do something when no-one else is doing it instead.

I remember quite a few years ago now receiving a lovely card from Emma Isaacs (Chief Chick at Business Chicks). We had had a meeting and I was wearing a pair of red shoes. She sent me a card shortly afterwards and on the cover was, yes, a pair of red shoes. I kept the card on my desk for ages and I’ve never forgotten it. But last years Christmas gifts (business ones only of course) I’m ashamed to say I can’t remember.

I love a Christmas card as much as anyone, and I don’t mean to sound like Scrooge when I say don’t give them. But if you think giving Christmas cards and gifts is a good marketing ploy think again. In a small business you need to get the best out of every dollar you spend, so don’t bother with Christmas, surprise someone in February instead.

PS Slightly concerned that friends and family will strike me off the Christmas card list, so I should reiterate that I am talking purely in regard to  business purposes…..