2021 is coming to a close, and you’ve had a pretty good year, business-wise. You’re thinking about 2022, but wait! You may be a voice talent and an artist and a creative and all that, but you’re a business first. If you want to succeed, you need to think like a business. When you deal with businesses throughout the year, you notice that when December rolls around, you start getting Christmas cards from your accountant, or vet, or whoever you have spent money with. If you’re a really good client, maybe you even get a present! My financial planner would send me chocolate covered pretzel rods, which were amazing. Of course after my gastric bypass, I can’t have those anymore, but the memories…
You as a voice talent thinking like a business need to let your clients know this time of year how much you appreciate them. I mean, to be honest, you should let them know all year long that you’re appreciative but especially during the holidays. J. Michael Collins said one time that he has different levels of gifts he has sent each year depending on how good a client each one is. The more money he made from a client, the bigger the gift he sent.
Christmas cards are fine but sending Christmas gifts is another way to market yourself. Try to be different and make an impression on your clients, agents, etc. There are tons of ways to personalize gifts with your logo or brand. Try to tailor your gifts for your brand. If your brand is beer-centric, then send bottles of beer with your personalized logo on it. I sent out paddle bottle openers last year with my logo on them. They also had a banana pattern on them as well. Voice Monkey, get it? Gifts that clients can actually use are important. Post it notes with your website on them are a good idea. They will use them, and each time they do, they are reminded that you’re there. Staying top of mind is important. I used Zazzle.com for my gifts. I also got personalized hand sanitizer.
Make sure to start early to allow for prep and shipping times especially for personalized items. Coming up with a unique or interesting Christmas present can pay dividends in the next year. Good luck and Merry Christmas.