Just before Christmas I gave a talk at a networking meeting, on the alternative 12 Days of Christmas. It was 12 marketing tips, using the carol for inspiration! Before we get too far from the New Year, I thought I would share it with you now.

1. On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a Partridge in an Appletree. This means you need to do things a bit differently in order to stand out from the crowd and be noticed. Most people expect to see a partridge in a pear tree, so putting it into an apple tree grabs their attention.
2. On the second day … two turtle doves. Turtles are like tortoises in that they move really slowly and win the race through steady progress and tenacity. Marketing is the same – it’s not an overnight fix and you need to put in the time to get the results.
3. On the third day … three French hens. This means that you need to speak English in your marketing materials and when you’re networking, rather than speaking French, double Dutch or jargon!
4. On the fourth day … four calling birds. Use business cards as calling cards. Think about how you give out your cards – don’t force them onto everyone you meet. Think about the ones you collect – make comments on what’s on the card rather than just stuffing it into your pocket.
5. On the fifth day … five gold rings. Pick up the phone and ring your clients! If you’ve not spoken to one for a while, give them a call just to see how they are. Don’t just send endless emails.
6. Six – six geese-a-laying. Look after the goose (your best client) rather than chasing the golden eggs (the quick wins that take your focus away from your best clients.)
7. Seven –  seven swans-a-swimming. Swans are serene and confident above the water, while paddling frantically below the water. If you need to paddle below water, always stay confident above to create the best impression.
8. Eight –  eight maids-a-milking. Milk your contacts! Who are you connected to on LinkedIn? Who do they know? Who can they introduce you do?
9. Nine –  nine ladies dancing. Building relationships with potential clients is like dancing. Take the lead and take the time to learn the steps. Keep practicing until you get it right and your prospect becomes a client.
10. Ten lords-a-leaping. Look before you leap. Don’t try out a new marketing tactic just because you think you have to. Look at what your competitors are doing, or ask someone else if they’ve tried that tactic before. Don’t rush in and spend money without knowing what sort of return you might get.
11. Eleven pipers piping. Pipe down and listen to what your clients are saying! Don’t spend all your time talking to them – take the time to really listen to their needs.
12. Twelve drummers drumming. Make a really big noise because no one else will!!!

I hope you enjoy my alternative 12 Days of Christmas. Do you have any other alternatives?