The Tribune

By Scott Farrington

In DA marketing spirit. It is the holiday season, and for some it is a great time of sharing, socialising and, yes, eating. However, for others it is not such a good time for many different reasons.

We are all super busy nowadays, and adding the Holiday season to the list just makes us busier. How do we get both our regular and Christmas responsibilities complete. Cards, gifts, family, staff, clients and so on.

This time of year is like the Super Bowl of marketing and advertising. Every company, every individual is showcasing their best this and that. For some companies, the holiday season is a make or break scenario for their business, but for others, it’s not.

It is so easy to get sidetracked by the hype, advertising, sales and responsibilities that we forget what Christmas is all about. Gratitude and giving, right? And, yes, marketing.

I saw on the news the other day how an airline company was able to market themselves and also give/share the spirit of Christmas. This company interviewed passengers who were waiting to get on the flight and asked them the three things they wished for Christmas. After the passengers arrived at their destination and went down to claim their luggage, Santa was there waiting, and wrapped gifts with passenger names started coming out on the carousel. Each passenger received a gift. Wow, I thought, what an ingenious plan.

With so much going on how do you feel/get into the holiday season spirit? Many people share their feelings with me, and say: “Scott, it just does not feel like Christmas. I have so much going on and Christmas has arrived so quickly.”

Well, it is not late to market yourself or your company and get in the spirit. How, you may ask?

Give, I say. With only a little more than a week left, think like the airline did. Of course, it does not have to be as elaborate. Find a simple, small solution to give. Giving is marketing. It shows the human side of you and your business, and people relate to the human touch.

So, this holiday season, get in da spirit, market yourself and your company, and give.

I wish everyone a very safe and happy holiday season until next year.

All of these sales and marketing strategies are certain to keep your business on top during these challenging economic times. Have a productive and profitable week.

• NB: Scott Farrington is president of SunTee EmbroidMe, a promotional and marketing company specialising in uniforms, embroidery, silk screen printing and promotional products.

Established over 27 years ago, SunTee EmbroidMe has assisted businesses from various industries in marketing themselves. Readers can contact Mr Farrington at SunTee EmbroidMe on East Shirley Street, by e-mail at scott@sun-tee.com or by telephone at 242-393-3104.