Holiday Quiet Time - how do you keep business coming in at this time of year?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Katin Imes on January 11, 2010 at 4:37am

Hi Kerrie -

From my own experience and many of the hypnotherapists I've talked with, this is a common slow time (I'm in the US). It really does take preparation months in advance to generate more business during the Christmas holiday lull (which is likely most of December). I usually spent the business hours during the holiday lull writing for my web pages, writing articles for magazines, writing and practicing speeches for chamber of commerce and local club meetings, creating NLP process cards for clients to use, painting the office, and other business maintenance.

I had the idea of selling gift certificates for people to give at the holidays, but I think that's a tough sell since hypnotherapy is so personal an experience. I was never too amped on the idea of selling pre-packaged past life regressions or that sort of thing, though they may draw some sales and it may be the right thing for some hypnotherapists.

Three areas of focus align with the holidays: gifts for others, gifts for self, and stress management. Unfortunately, the overriding mood of the holidays season is "too rushed" to actually book any appointments. So, I've always felt that the key to increasing cash flow during the holidays are CD's and downloadable MP3's, both as gift packs and for instant self-use, especially with emphasis on lowering stress and managing anxiety.

You might get some good response to sessions-on-CD as gifts on your web site, especially if it is supported with great pictures of quality gift wrapping, easy shipping, and a article or two in your local papers or on news & magazine web sites ("A Fresh Gift Idea for the Person that has Everything!" style). However, since hypnosis is such a personal thing, your primary buyer base for gifts like this is really your current client base - people that already know you and like your work, voice and presentation.

The other thing to do during the holidays is prepare and launch the "New Year - New You"-style marketing campaign. January can really make up for the December lull as everyone wants help fulfilling on their New Year's resolutions (stop smoking, lose weight, etc.) Offering an free Open House evening in early January that explains how hypnosis can help make the changes that people want to make, along with a simple hypnosis experience and demonstration, generally goes a long way to booking sessions. The same would be a perfect presentation at your local Lions club, Chamber of Commerce meeting, or perhaps joining with a few other health professionals for an evening of health and wellness workshops.

Of course, a slow time is also a perfect time to take your vacation, which is another great thing to do during December. I understand it takes time & planning to cover December's expenses (again, months beforehand), but being able to really enjoy family, the holidays and time off goes a long way to keeping you healthy and bright for another year of building your business.

I hope those ideas help. Here's wishing you health, wealth and happiness!

--Katin

Permalink Reply by Kerrie Saunders on January 11, 2010 at 7:27pm

Hi Katin,

Thanks so much for your detailed response! There are some good ideas there to keep in mind, and I am already putting a lot of those into practice.

I was offering a "Mind Massage" gift certificate as a Christmas gift idea in the lead-up to Chrissy but it didn't really receive much interest. I think that my demographic here are only just slowly coming around to the idea of Hypnotherapy as something that can actually assist them rather than something that is just stage entertainment :)

Anyway, I do love your last suggestion the best and so will be sure to plan and budget for next Christmas break, and enjoy a great holiday.

Thanks again - and all the very best to you for 2010!
Kind Regards,
Kerrie