5 Holiday Strategies for Account Managers to Finish Strong

As an account manager, the holiday season brings unique challenges. Clients are finalizing budgets, placing last-minute orders, and adjusting to shifting schedules. With so much going on, it’s easy to miss a detail or leave clients feeling overlooked. A bit of extra planning can make all the difference, ensuring your key accounts feel valued as the year wraps up.

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Here are five strategies to help you keep client relationships strong during the holiday rush.

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1. Set Clear Expectations with Early Communication

One of the most important ways to maintain client satisfaction over the holidays is by proactively sharing your holiday schedule and any adjusted hours. With over 90% of U.S. businesses closing on Christmas and New Year’s Day—and many staying closed from Christmas Eve through January 1—clients need to know in advance if these closures could impact their plans.

• Actionable Steps: Reach out personally to each key account with a holiday schedule, highlighting days your team will be out and any limited availability between holidays. For clients with ongoing needs, provide alternative contacts in case of urgent issues.
• Pro Tip: Send clients a downloadable calendar or holiday schedule PDF, including emergency contacts, cutoffs for orders, and planned closures. This helps clients plan ahead and reinforces your commitment to seamless support during the holiday rush.‍

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‍2. Encourage Clients to Place Orders Early

The holiday season often brings a spike in activity as clients look to maximize year-end budgets or capture tax benefits. Let your clients know that submitting orders early has real benefits, such as shorter lead times and more reliable service during this busy period.

• Actionable Steps: Educate clients about the advantages of early ordering, including faster service and smoother processing. Explain that waiting until the last week of December can increase the risk of delays due to demand surges and seasonal closures.
• Pro Tip: Develop a “Holiday Ordering Guide” that outlines deadlines, rush charges, and seasonal promotions. This guide helps clients plan ahead and provides a tangible resource they can use to ensure timely service and avoid last-minute hassles.

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3. Offer Incentives for Early Confirmations

For many account managers, the lull in activity between Christmas and New Year’s is a good time to encourage clients to confirm orders early. Offering targeted incentives for early action can help you manage the season’s workload while providing clients with added value.

• Actionable Steps: Structure your incentives to motivate early decision-making. Offer discounts, complimentary services, or product add-ons to clients who confirm orders by a certain date. This not only encourages early orders but also ensures a smoother workflow for your team.
• Pro Tip: Introduce a tiered incentive model, offering greater rewards for earlier commitments. For example, clients who order by early December may receive a higher discount or an additional service benefit. This approach makes early action more appealing, helping you manage demand and boost engagement.

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4. Prepare Clients for New Year Pricing Changes

If there are planned changes to your company’s pricing or service structure, communicating these updates now will help clients prepare their budgets and avoid misunderstandings in the new year. This is especially crucial if your company is implementing rate increases or service adjustments.

• Actionable Steps: Send clients a written breakdown of the new pricing, emphasizing any added services or improvements to ease the transition. If there are any positive changes—such as price reductions or extra features—highlight them to reinforce the value of the new structure.
• Pro Tip: Consider hosting a “Pricing Update Webinar” or one-on-one calls for key accounts. This approach allows clients to ask questions directly, clarifying details and reinforcing your role as a transparent, supportive partner.

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5. Show Appreciation and Plan a New Year Kickoff

The holidays are a perfect time to recognize the importance of your key accounts. Since the top 20% of clients often produce 80% of a company’s revenue, taking a moment to express your gratitude can have a lasting impact on client loyalty.

• Actionable Steps: Send personalized holiday messages or thank-you cards to show clients they’re valued. As the new year begins, schedule “New Year Kickoff” meetings to align on upcoming goals, reinforce your commitment, and discuss future plans.
• Pro Tip: Use your New Year Kickoff meetings to introduce “Annual Success Plans” tailored to each client’s objectives. Summarize key milestones and growth areas, positioning yourself as a committed partner in their success and setting a strong tone for the year.

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The holiday season doesn’t have to disrupt your client relationships. By staying proactive, communicating clearly, and showing appreciation, you can ensure a smooth holiday season and build stronger, more trusting connections with clients.

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Want more strategies to strengthen client relationships? Check out our blog on handling common account management challenges: https://www.amplifyam.com/blog/how-to-tackle-the-5-biggest-challenges-in-account-management