Believe it or not, the holidays are quickly approaching! Are you planning on having a soirée for your clients? Not sure what you need to do to have a great party and close out a great year? Don’t fret. We are here to help.
Step 1: Finding a Venue
Venues book up quickly for holiday parties, so start looking for the perfect spot today. Keep in mind the commute that your clients will have to make to get to your party. Find a place that’s centrally located between your office and where the majority of your clients live. You don’t want them to have to drive very far, especially if road conditions in your area can be treacherous with inclement weather.
Step 2: The Guest List
The holidays are a time to be with friends and family, and, in this case, your clients. Think about the people that have helped you have a great year, and show your gratitude by inviting them to your holiday party and treating them to a night out on the town.* Some advisors allow their clients to bring friends (potential referrals) with them to the party as well. This, of course, is up to you. Having a few potential leads in the pipeline for the new year isn’t a bad thing.
Step 3: Choosing a Theme
Do you want to go all out for your event? Consider having a theme, such as a casino night or a Winter Wonderland. Don’t feel like you have to have a theme or a big blowout event; your clients will appreciate whatever you decide to do. Don’t forget that your marketing manager and Impact’s talented creative team can help you decide on the perfect format for your event and create an impressive invitation.
Step 4: Sending out Invitations
The holidays are a busy time, and your clients will likely have other events and commitments on their calendar. Consider sending out a save the date six weeks in advance, and send a formal invitation 3–4 weeks out from the event.
Step 5: After the Party
Be sure to thank your clients for attending your event. A nice handwritten note goes a long way and will keep you top-of-mind to your clients. The follow-up is even more critical if you have potential clients at your event. Make sure to send them a thank you note too. They took time out of their schedules to come meet you, so show them your appreciation with a quick note to let them know you look forward to speaking with them soon.