Okay, I’m not really “Santa” but perhaps an elf-like assistant who enjoys making lists too! There’s no better time than the holidays to reach out to your client sphere and make valuable business connections. So what’s in your holiday marketing bag? Don’t be left sending out the same card, different color this year. Plan early and send now. Here is a list of 10 delicious marketing ideas that if served up properly will make Santa, his reindeer, and your client sphere very happy to hear from you this holiday season!

(1) Thank You Cards/Thankful Brunch Event: Around Thanksgiving it’s customary to give thanks, so naturally you’ll want to send thoughtful business thank you cards to your client sphere–thanking them for their business and continued support, etc. You could also choose to send invitations for a special Thankful “Client Appreciation” Brunch hosted by you at your home or work.

(2) Holiday Promotion: Send select clients a gift certificate for a local tree lot or ice skating rink. It can be an affordable option at $10 a pop. For Thanksgiving, make it a pie giveaway by sending clients a print promotion for a free desert. Have clients drop by your office to pick up their treat on a specified day/time.

(3) Santa or Family Photo Op: Send clients a date/time postcard with details for a Santa Picture Day, or even a Family Portrait Day. Hiring a professional photographer to take pictures of your clients for their holiday cards is well worth the lasting memories.  Now you’ve become part of their holiday tradition!

(4) Holiday Open House or Open Office: Not big on formal entertaining? Well, as my dad always said…”have it done!” (He’s a broker.) Whether you invite your clients to your home or office, hire a caterer and even server for drinks. Send holiday themed invitations via mail and keep it light and informal. Be sure to have coloring books, cookie decorating and other simple kid activities on hand for families with small children. This way you can eat, drink and be merry with your clients. (Not too merry though, unless that’s your target client base of course.)

(5) Make a Donation (in your client’s name): Whether it be a local or national charity, giving in someone else’s name is sure to get you to the top of Santa’s Good List. Just make sure to include the charity info on your marketing item so you’re client can learn more about the organization or choose to give back in their own way.

(6) Holiday Card w/ YOUR Family Picture: Want to show your softer side? Send out holiday cards with your own family picture. Yes, being a real estate agent can be a 24 hour job, but you do have other interests….family, hobbies, etc. Choose a nice family portrait, exciting hobby action shot, or even a close up with you and your treasured family pet.

(7) Holiday Event Calendar: Research and collect the local holiday events and organize them on a calendar. Customize your calendar with your contact information, picture, and special client appreciation events of your own. Now you’ve secured a spot on your client’s fridge for the holiday season!

(8) Holiday Recipe Cards: Share your own or pick a favorite from the Food Network. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s a good one. Recipe cards make great mailers. If you are a stellar chef, then make a mini-recipe booklet to share and give out when farming. Go the extra mile for very special clients by inviting them to a gourmet holiday cooking class at your home hosted by you and a chef.

(9) Contest for Local Ski/Snowboard Weekend: What a fun way to get your sphere excited and help update your database at the same time! Whether you email or mail a postcard or newsletter promotion, make sure that your return entry form has all the fields necessary for updating your contact database.

(10) Holiday Safety Tips: Perfect as a mailer or for your farm. Whatever format you choose, make sure to include basic holiday safety tips, as well as a checklist of items to make your household safe. If you don’t already have safety information, try Google…you’ll get plenty of suggestions and resources to choose from. (EX: National Safety Council)