The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

The Bear and the Nightingale is another book to enchant you. Set in the winter of Russia, a young woman, Vasaya, runs off to her father’s estate in a village to avoid being married off. While there, she learns of her power to commune with the spirits of the woods around them. As dangers and threats arise, Vasaya must embrace the power inside her to save her family and her village. Written as a love letter to Russian folklore, this novel about family and the wonder of being in a deep winter will go well with hot chocolate and a warm blanket!

One Day in December by Josie Silver

Do you believe in fate? Of destinies intertwined by the very fabric of our souls? Maybe just a hopeless romantic? Then you'll enjoy One Day in December. Laurie doesn't believe in any of that stuff but then on one...(yup, you guessed it)... December day, she glimpses a man from the window of her bus that she knows instantly, is the love of her life. The moment their eyes meet it's as if everything that could possibly be expressed between them has been filled in that space. Does Laurie find the man from the bus stop? As time passes, does she still believe they are fated to meet again? This love story will remind you that life takes us through inexplicable places on the journey to happiness. 

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

A faraway land of lasting winter, but no Christmases. A witch who wears a crown of ice and rules over the land. The lion, who was usurped by the witch queen, is prophesied to return when two sons of Adam and two daughters of Eve arrive. And the wardrobe that brings them all together, is the beginning tales of The Chronicles of Narnia. Read the beloved adventure that started it all this winter. 

Do you have a favorite novel that you like to cozy up to read during the winter season? We're always taking suggestions, share which ones make your winter reading list in the comments below! 

Social media is a fantastic method to engage your customers or clients. Social media platforms allow you to communicate directly with your followers or prospective customers in real-time. Start with how you plan to initiate that communication to build the interaction and involvement you need for your business to be successful. Social media is just one way you can utilize marketing content, phone calls, emails, and others ways that best fit your style.

Once you've decided on a platform or medium to establish client/customer relations, you can utilize some of the following approaches to gain feedback, involvement, and interaction.

Collect Data

Collecting data is likely to be considered the fastest and most straightforward way to get to know and engage your customers. Most large companies use resources such as surveys and questionnaires to gather data about their customer's concerns and desires routinely. If you offer products or services, create a brief survey to collect customers' opinions or thoughts on how that service or product was. You could use a questionnaire to find out information about your prospective clients that would be beneficial to your marketing strategies. 

Reward Engagement

You took time to apply new approaches to get your customers to respond; therefore, being responsive and helpful to your customers boosts their confidence in your business and creates brand recognition. Start rewarding your outspoken customers for their engagement. Loyalty programs, discounts, and gifts are great ways to reward your clients and customers.

Share Reviews

Sharing reviews from previous and current clients or customers is a wonderful way to gain customer interaction and feedback. Customers can relate to shared experiences and encourage prospective new clients and customers. Reviews are also perfect and gaining feedback as customers can highlight what they thought was an exceptional service or product or what had room for improvement. 

Build A Community and Co-create

I highly encourage this approach for small businesses and solopreneurs. Build a community (online or in person) centered on your product or services. Invite customers and interested parties to join in for discussions and forums. The community creates a space for your customers to share their thoughts or opinions naturally. It is also a great way to network. You may become inspired or find opportunities to co-create with your clients. 

Contact us today for more tips on engaging your customers or schedule a call about one of our many services or programs for small businesses.