'Tis the season for giving. We give each other gifts. Billy wants a Kindle Fire, Mary wants an iPod Touch, but who gives more this holiday season than Santa? He has only a short window on Christmas Eve to deliver gifts and holiday cheer to people all over the world. He's timely, meets deadlines and runs an efficient operating system. Santa is an entrepreneur who has run a successful business for hundreds of years. What marketing tips can Santa give based on his work ethic? Let's listen to this jolly, fellow's advice...
Listen Santa takes the time to read all his letters and listens to the messages that children provide him. Do you think he'd show up with a GI Joe for a little girl who asked for a Barbie Doll? Takeaway: Companies need to deliver direct and concise messages to their clients. Customer-focus is essential so make sure you are listening to your customers.
Customer-focused Santa loves being appreciated and thoroughly enjoys the cookies and milk that await him upon his arrival. He maintains customer relationships. Takeaway: Do things to show that your customers that they are appreciated. Showing a genuine interest in your customers' needs is a key step in building loyalty. Even a small gesture works wonders!
Be consistent and maintain credibility The Christmas season is all about believing. How many people believe in Santa? He consistently shows up every year on Christmas Eve with his eight reindeer (and Rudolph!) without fail. He does and delivers what he says he will do. Takeaway: Deliver a brand and message that is consistent and credible. Avoid excess jargon and fluff in the marketing message. Inconsistency will just lead to confusion. Customers have high expectations and it's our job to deliver or risk losing them. Being reliable builds trust, and people buy from companies they trust!!
Be unique Santa's elves are constantly making new products and keeping up with trends. Santa, himself has his market covered when it comes to being original. His image is like no other brand: long gray beard, velvety red suit, shiny black boots and a catch phrase: "Ho, Ho, Ho." This sets him apart from the East Bunny and the Tooth Fairy...and even moms and dads. Never once has Santa had to spend a dime on advertising! Takeaway: What can you do to make your business stand out? Find your uniqueness and do something to stand apart from the competition.
Keep up-to-date with technology OK, Santa is new to the social media world, but he does have a Facebook page and Twitter handle. Thanks to his tech savvy elves, he has another way to interact with his customers and receive feedback from them. Takeaway: In order to gain competitive advantage, keeping up with trends and technology is a must.
In the end, it's all about the customers and building customer loyalty. Customers want to know that their satisfaction is the number one priority.
A happy and safe holiday to all and to all a good night!
- XOXO Santa
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This is a guest post from Emily Zimmerman, Internet Media Researcher at Cision.