While your colleagues may be focused on creative marketing ideas for Christmas and New Year’s, don’t you make the mistake of failing to reach out during the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving.

Here are a few holiday marketing ideas that sales professionals commonly forget:

1. Pick up the phone and call

One of the biggest barriers to calling clients is finding a reason to call in the first place. Many agents fall into this trap, but the timing itself is one of the reasons Thanksgiving is such a great time to connect. The holiday gives you the perfect opportunity to start a conversation.

2. Connect on social media

While actually speaking with people is the most effective way to connect with them, it may not be possible to speak with everyone in your sphere. In those cases, smart agents understand that social media is a great alternative.

There are plenty of Thanksgiving-related ideas, events, themes, news, and information you can share that the people in your sphere may find helpful or inspiring. For example, there’s this article on ways to give back, or these eye-catching, table centerpieces that bring a little of the outdoors inside. To really make a connection, don’t just “post and go.” Tag people in the message area or send the posts directly to them with personal messages.

3. Help clients (and yourself) give to charity

Food banks and other food-related charities traditionally get the bulk of their donations during the holidays, which makes sense. Food is such a big part of the holidays, especially Thanksgiving.

There’s a good chance that your clients and other connections will be making food donations or will want to. Why not offer to pick up their nonperishable items and take them to a local donation center?

Not only will this give you an opportunity to connect in person, but also will make a great impression that won’t be soon forgotten.

4. Take the opportunity to say thank you

The easiest way to take advantage of Thanksgiving may be by simply giving thanks.

Nowadays, a thoughtful, handwritten card or note is a novelty, which is why they make such an incredible impression. You could buy a box of cards or you can download these free, printable Thank You Cards and save a few dollars. There are 3 designs and you can print as many as you need. Write a few each day to your clients or get someone to help, and you’ll have plenty of time to get them into the mail.

You can also say thanks during a quick pop-by, but don’t go empty-handed! We have free Gratitude Gift Tags that you can attached to a small gift, such as a mini-pie. It’s a perfect way to show your appreciation, and your gesture will be appreciated in return!

You can also show your gratitude by offering a helping hand. Send the people in your sphere this free and handy Thanksgiving Day Prep Guide that will hep ensure nothing is missed in anticipation of a family feast.

5. Take advantage of timing

The most clever professionals know how important it is to connect during the holidays. Whatever it is you decide to do, the important thing is that you do something. With everyone else waiting until the December holidays, you’ll easily stand out. And when you do connect in December, you’ll already be on people’s minds.

Bonus tip: Think ahead to next year

Why not try something genuinely unique next year, like sending your own personally branded magazine to your exclusive list of recipients? We have 3 coffee-table quality publications that you can choose from, and all of them feature your photo, business, and contact information.

They’re filled with engaging articles about food (including delicious recipes), travel, health, home decor, design, DIY, and much more. And since your magazine will be where everyone will see it, it will be picked up, read, and discussed—it’s a great way to get your name into the conversation and introduce the opportunity for referrals! Download a free PDF sample of our most recent issue and happy holidays!

ReminderMedia is a Marketing Partner to NAIFA as well as a supporter of NAIFA's Business Performance Center. For members, you can learn more about ReminderMedia and how to partner within the Member Portal.