In April 2020, I started running Marketing Mondays – a one-hour Zoom Q&A call for coaches, consultants and speakers. Over the last two years, we’ve had a lot of fun, answered many marketing questions, and built up a really supportive group of business owners.

On the last call of 2022, one of the questions asked was: “What else can we do to promote our businesses at Christmas?” This was such a great question that I invited everyone on the call to give one quick tip, trick or idea. They are such a generous bunch, all willingly sharing their brilliant ideas and I thought I would share them with you here, in the final Scribbles of this year.

Here are some of the top tips and tricks that were shared on the Marketing Mondays call:

Tony will be sending top-quality coffee to the people who have supported him this year – clients, suppliers and referrers. Decaf for me please, Tony!

Malcolm encouraged us to think about different religions. Not all my clients celebrate Christmas, so I don’t send them all Christmas cards. Get to know your clients and what’s important to them throughout the year.

Marco was also keen that we understand other people’s religions and celebrations. ‘Seasons greetings’ is a phrase you can use, instead of ‘Happy Christmas’, if you’re not sure what to say.

Ali says she bloomin’ loves Christmas, so will send cards to everyone she knows, whether they celebrate the festival or not. Why? Because Ali is great at spreading joy, in her own way!

Clare will be making donations to her favourite charities. Whatever you give and to whom, make a song and dance about it. Shout about it in your marketing and tell the world who you are supporting and how much you’re donating.

Janet gives vouchers to all the carers she works with, to the maximum value that she is legally allowed to give. She also gives posh boxes of chocolates to important clients and suppliers.

Karen lives in Belgium, so has access to probably some of the best chocolates in the world!

Adam reminded us that it’s a reflective time of year, so its important that our social media posts reflect that. What’s worked well this year? Where are you going next year? And of course, keep it positive.

Dave says to think tangible, quirky and fun! Find a local cartoonist who can create something unique and memorable for your business.

Sarah sends personalised biscuits from Biscuiteers.com – delicious!

Lesley is sending gorgeous notebooks to her clients, with their names on the front and her details on them too.

Saroj has sent out delicious little hampers to clients in the past. Make it personal!

Jen is calling her favourite clients and inviting them out to lunch. I’m really looking forward to our lunch in January!

Lance lives in South Africa where they don’t send Christmas cards. Apparently, their postal service isn’t great. Instead, he will be bringing South African gifts with him when he visits the UK next year.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, I hope there are some ideas here that you can adapt and use in your marketing next year.