We did a Christmas in July thing with our family this last week. For the whole story (and a more detailed OND planning explanation) check out this video:

Last week we talked about the items you need to do NOW to get ready for Christmas in July.
1. Review
2. Dream
3. Plan
4. Action Steps

That was the quickest possible overview and planning session to get your holiday snowball rolling.

If you didn’t see that video or read that blog, check it out here.

Now, I’d like to layer on some additional Christmas magic.

Being set up for Christmas success in July also means sending emails in July. Not only do you need to start preparing your holiday plan, but you also need to start preparing your customers for your holiday promotions.

Here’s what I mean:

A lot of businesses go dark in the summer.
Then all of a sudden, Black Friday rolls around and they bombard their customers with sales emails and burn out their fans asking for so much money all at once.

There is a better way!

In July, August, and September you can be doing the work to prepare your customers for your holiday offerings, even if they don’t know it.

Here are some things you can do:

1. Prepare A Survey

Ask your best customers what they love, what they would like to see more of, and what they need that you could give to them. This shows them you care about more than just selling, and it keeps you top of mind!

2. Don’t Be A Ghost

Promise to send at least ONE email this quarter.
Bonus points if you send 1 email each month. You can do it!

3. Review your Automated Emails

Can you give them a little holiday razzle dazzle? If so, prepare for that now!

Maybe you can add a “Is this a gift?” to your transactional emails or a “We do gift wrapping!” or can you add some holiday wording to your welcome email. The more ideas you have to engage and delight your customers using your automated emails, the better.

MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL: Grow your email list.

The more people you have on your email list, the more people you will have nurtured and ready to buy from you when the holiday season arrives!

Now, pick at least one. Tell me which you choose in the comments below. I believe in you and your ability to DO THE WORK!