Keep sales strong over summer with simple holiday tactics
The weeks from mid-December to early February can feel sleepy in New Zealand. Clients are starting to slow down for the summer break - inboxes get quiet, and lots of businesses slow right down.
That lull is exactly why a steady, human presence works so well now.
When others switch off, you can stay visible in small, sustainable ways that keep relationships warm and momentum alive.
Stay present with light, pre-scheduled activity, make time for one-to-ones, and use December and January to plan, refine and reconnect.
Networking is your advantage here. Keep the pipeline warm while you rest, then hit February with warm conversations and clear next steps.
Why the holidays are an opportunity
Fewer voices means less noise.
Your posts, emails and check-ins travel further because there is less competition for attention.
People also have more headspace for light content, friendly catch-ups, and future planning.
The goal is not to sell hard. It is to stay present, helpful and memorable so you are the first call when projects kick off again.
Think small, think consistent.
Try a handful of these tips to get in front of your clients and customers over summer. Keep the tone light and genuine.
Schedule simple social posts
Round-ups, client wins, behind-the-scenes, a helpful tip, or holiday hours. Keep captions short and friendly. Add a soft call to action like “Book a coffee in Feb.” The key here is to schedule them, so you get some time off too! But make sure to check in and respond to comments made.Send a short festive email
One paragraph, one image, one link. Thank clients, share holiday hours, and invite a January catch-up. Keep it human, not salesy.Update your Google Business Profile
Post your summer hours, a seasonal offer, and a recent photo. Reviews still land over the break.Share an “out of office that helps”
Include emergency contacts, a link to FAQs, and a link to book a New Year chat.Pin one practical lead magnet
If you have a checklist or guide, point to it in your bio and email signature. Capture interest now, follow up later.Speed up booking
Place one “book a January/February chat” button above the fold on your home page and in your email footer.
Networking that works while people are on holiday
Holiday networking is lighter and more personal. Aim for connection first, business second.
Book two or three coffees before Christmas with people you have been meaning to meet all year.
Set up five quick January one-to-ones with existing referrers to swap updates and ideal-client reminders. Don’t forget, meeting online can be just as effective as meeting in person - and has less impact on your time (so you can still hit the beach).
Offer a warm introduction between two contacts who should know each other. The goodwill comes back.
Schedule to attend a visitor day or the first meeting back for your local group when meetings restart. New Year energy makes it easier to start conversations.
Use December and January for reflection and planning
If your industry genuinely slows down, treat it as strategic time.
Review your pipeline. Who needs a light check-in before the break, and who should you book for February?
Refresh your 60-second and 10-minute pitches so they feel current, confident and clear.
Map your first quarter. Choose three themes, six content pieces, and the key offers you will promote.
Tighten your follow-up system. Create two email templates: a friendly “holiday check-in” and a “shall we book for Feb” note.
Keep the pipeline warm while you are off
You deserve a proper break. Let automation carry a little weight for you.
Pre-schedule two social posts per week from mid-December to late January.
Queue one short email in mid-December and another in mid-January.
Set calendar links for late January or early February and include them in your out-of-office.
Tag interested leads in your CRM with “Summer follow-up” so you know who to contact first when you are back.
TNG member tips that work
“The summer slowdown doesn’t have to mean silence. While everyone’s easing off, it’s actually the best time to stay visible, but in small, intentional ways.
Post something light on social media, send a quick ‘Merry Christmas’ email, or even better, catch up for coffee with a connection you’ve been meaning to chat to all year.
Visibility doesn’t always mean big marketing pushes, sometimes it’s just about staying present, showing the human side of your business, and keeping those connections warm. A little effort now makes it much easier to hit the ground running when everyone switches back on in February.
Nikki Bollen, Notabene Social media and Pinterest management
“Don't let the Christmas and New year season be a time to disappear even if you are on the beach.
Schedule all your usual posts and newsletters before you stop work so they keep appearing even if you don't. You may pick up a client or lead while you're on holiday!”
Rich Ellis, Health coaching and corporate wellness
Quick holiday content ideas you can copy
12 days of helpful tips relevant to your service.
A “year in numbers” post showing projects completed, clients helped, funds raised.
A single favourite client story with one lesson for readers.
A January “book club” style post linking to three resources your clients would find useful.
A “meet the team” carousel with one fun summer question each.
Your holiday sales checklist
Holiday hours updated everywhere.
Out-of-office set with helpful links and a February booking link.
Two pre-scheduled emails and a simple social plan.
Five priority follow-ups before the break.
Three January one-to-ones booked.
Pitches refreshed and ready.
First-quarter themes and offers mapped.
Next steps
Want accountability and momentum through the break and into February?
Visit a TNG group, line up a couple of one-to-ones, and keep your presence light but consistent. Small actions now make February faster, warmer and more profitable.
Ready to meet new referrers and stay visible over summer? Book a visit to your local TNG group (don’t forget, non-members have two free visits to TNG) and lock in a January or February coffee with two people from your network.
