Love it or hate it, Christmas is just around the corner. Traditionally a time for loving and giving, Christmas can also be – let’s be honest – a time for tearing out your hair at the sheer amount of tasks you need to get through!
Don’t panic though. Here’s a handy list of all the things you might need to start thinking about if you haven’t already!
Let your clients know when you’re going to be available
There’s nothing worse than that sinking feeling of getting an urgent client request when you’re about to shut down your laptop for your Christmas break. In advance of the holidays, make sure you take time to plan what days you’ll be working and which you’ll be unavailable, and send out a warm communication to everyone who needs to know (clients and suppliers) letting them know about your Christmas hours.
Plan any Christmas promotions
If you’re thinking about having a Christmas sale or promotion, don’t leave it until the last minute! Get your website ready, send out your brochures and flyers in good time, amplify your message with a blog or through social media.
Send a Christmas message
Sending a Christmas card is a nice way to let your clients and suppliers know that you value them. Have you ordered your Christmas cards? Have you designed an ecard? Is your database up to date and ready? Whatever you plan, be sure to include a personal message.
Plan your parties
Whether it’s an office party of something personal, finding that perfect party venue, arranging catering, managing invites and RSVPs and thinking about entertainment can be a real time-suck. Make sure you get things sorted in advance!
Get your Christmas gifts
Gifts, gifts, gifts! Whether they’re for employees, clients or Great Auntie Lou, the further in advance you research, purchase and prepare gifts and cards the more likely you are to find something meaningful while also avoiding panic spending on more expensive options than you need to!
Year-end finances
Don’t get stuck with last minute paperwork! Organise your receipts and get your income and expenses recorded in a spreadsheet to keep your accountant smiling!
If this list is a worrying reminder of how much there is to do, don’t worry – these all just happen to be that are perfect jobs to be packaged up and outsourced to your friendly virtual assistant!
If the prospect of Christmas is making you shake like a bowlful of jelly, drop me an email at martha@mnvirtualassistant.co.uk, and let’s have a chat about how I can step in and help out. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!