Valentines Day and your business
by Tash Hughes of Word Constructions
 

Unless you sell flowers or chocolates, you might not consider Valentines Day to be highly relevant to your business. Or it might not suit your business image.

However, adding Valentines touches to your business can be fun and may just be a new way to attract some new customers to your doors. With a bit of creativity and style, you can add Valentines magic to your business without becoming tacky or showy.

Y    Party Plan. Why not offer a raffle for the month of February, with the winner getting a hamper of pampering goodies. Give one entry to every $20 spent at a party to encourage sales and generate some fun.

Y    Artists. Produce some small artworks with a romantic theme that can be lasting Valentines gifts. Present them on a stall, in a gallery or on your website with some pink background and a few hearts, and see some increased exposure for your work.

Y    Groups and clubs. Send your paid or active members a Valentines card. It needn’t include messages of love, but it may just be the only card your client gets so it will be appreciated.

Y    Web masters. Add some subtle graphics on your site – just a quick image and the words Happy Valentines Day is enough to convey your wishes without going too far or reducing your professional image.

Y    Ezine publishers. Send a Valentines message in your February newsletter, just for fun and to keep your newsletter entertaining rather than purely functional. Add in a special deal such as “order by Feb 14 and we’ll include free postage” or “5% discount on all pink items during February.”

Y    Graphics whizzes. Make some cards or certificates that your clients can print out and use as Valentine gifts for whoever they like. Makes their life a little easier and adds a bit of fun to your business relationship.

Y    Shops. Add a little bit of Valentine impact to your shop. It could be a bunch of red roses instead of the normal mixed bunch, a red tablecloth instead of the normal one or a bowl of complimentary heart chocolates on the counter.

Y    Services. Offer reduced fees for couples booking in at the same time in February. This could apply to a masseur, accountant, hairdresser, dentist, mechanic, coach, gyms, fitness trainers, life insurance sales people and many more.

Y    Trades. Why not present each client with a rose on February 14? Or maybe do a deal with a local florist so you can leave a voucher with each client on the day. An unexpected touch like that will get you plenty of word of mouth, and the florist may put your cards on their counter in return.

Y    Outdoor equipment sales. Do promotions that show romantic picnics and walks, rather than costly restaurants – it’s personal and healthy! Set up a window or web display, and feature your picnic baskets and rugs - maybe have them on special for February, too.

Y    Clothing sales. Sexy and pink/red clothes may sell well for big dates, but other clothes can make great Valentines gifts. Encourage this by offering free gift wrapping and cards with purchases – make sure the wrapping paper is themed though!

Tash Hughes is a Mum of two in Melbourne. She is also a writer and owner of Word Constructions. Tash is available to write articles and profiles for any business, as well as doing other business documentation projects. You can see her site and services at www.wordconstructions.com.au

A funky gift is nice without sending inappropriate romantic messages!