So often we assume that people don’t want to buy in December because they are so busy buying holiday gifts, but actually with a bit of a rethink you can ensure that you end the year in a strong financial position.
1. Think what help your clients need RIGHT NOW
Many of your clients will be off during the festive period, meaning they have more time with their horse or dog. So as well as a treatment what else might they benefit from?
My clients offer a host of in person and online training for their clients, from canine fitness to massage days and pole work sessions.
Why not have a brainstorm and check in with a few clients and see what they might enjoy. You could join forces with another professional in your area and run a training day together, or perhaps offer a session to your local riding club or pony club.
Some clients might be super busy in the run up to Christmas, perhaps you could make it easy by treating their horse without them being there for the whole session? If you feel happy doing so, it is safe, and your insurance covers you then it can be a good win win for busy owners.
2. Stop making financial decisions on behalf of your clients
How often have you found yourself wanting to offer something BUT worrying that your clients will say no.
It is easy to assume that people can’t afford something, but in truth we have no idea until we ask someone. You can’t know who has had a pay rise, a windfall or tax rebate.
Let people make their own financial decisions. You job is to help them and their animals- you aren’t a financial planner!
3. Let payment be easy
I love supporting small businesses but sometimes I cringe at how hard it is to pay someone money. I know seriously I’m trying to give you my money, why is it so hard!
Have easy to use online payment links (and check that they work), let clients set up monthly subscriptions to spread the cost of treatments if they wish, and why not ask clients to pay prior to an appointment? Card readers are great, but signal in yards and barns isn’t always amazing so pre paying for a session makes everyone’s life easier.
If you wish to receive payment via bank transfer have the details to hand, this will speed up payment and make it much easier for your client, plus it is one less thing to remember for you to send later.
Ensure your payment options and terms are easily displayed on your website, or communicated to clients, along with your cancellation policies.
4. Money on the table
This is a great time of year to have a ‘tidy up’ business wise, so why not check to see if you have any outstanding invoices, and give those clients a call. Likewise check in with clients who you haven’t seen for a while, a pre 2023 appointment might be the perfect timings for them. You will never know if you don’t ask!
There is always so much you can do to help grow your business, even if you feel all out of ideas. If you’d like further help why not book a free business breakthrough call here and me or one of my team will give you some ideas to move you and your business forward. No sales. Just free ideas to help you click here to apply
