Were you one of the people who put off those pesky chores at work, thinking the Mayan Doomsday prediction might come true? Well, it’s time to get busy with them, because it appears we’re safe (at least for now). While you’re at it, consider four other items that might bring success to your business or organization now that your life will be continuing as planned.
Create an email-marketing piece
Write an email to a targeted list of prospects that’s both useful and fun. Let them know, yes you survived and here’s what you’re planning that might be of interest to them in the New Year. Don’t forget to include appropriate links back to your website. You should also include a call-to-action at the end that prompts readers to give up their information for insightful content you’re providing as an attachment, potentially converting them to a lead. Bonus points if you’re able to work a video in there.
Spark a conversation on your social media
Social media is meant to be a two-way dialogue between you, your fans and your followers. Why not have some fun with the significance of today and create a quick contest around it? Give people an hour or two to share a picture of what they’re doing because there is no Armageddon, then put those pictures in an album. Whatever picture gets the most likes wins a prize. Not only will your fans and followers have some fun with this, but it will also create a buzz around your accounts that might grow your following.
Blog about it
A big concern when blogging is how to get more eyeballs on your content. One of the most effective ways to get new viewers of your content is by commenting on other relevant blogs and articles and linking back to your post. There are a lot of articles about the failed Mayan prediction, which provide an opportune place for commenting and linking back. Just don’t be spammy and be sure to include a relevant comment alongside your link. Don’t forget to give your post a compelling title that will prompt readers to click through.
Prep for the next doomsday prediction
It’s bound to happen again and if you fell prey to this prediction you might fall for the next prognostication too. Prepare yourself and your business now for the next time there is a doomsday prediction. Consider purchasing everyone an actual day planner or paper calendar. Yeah, remember those? This way if technology shuts down you’ll be able to at least know what the day is. They are also a great way to stay organized and prioritize when you have a lot of tasks on hand.
Revisit your disaster plan and insurance policy. Make sure your business is properly covered, because who knows what issues could arise. Also, if you don’t have a disaster plan for your business, consider creating one. Think of anything that might occur from snowstorms and bomb scares to the zombie apocalypse (okay, that one might be a stretch), and create a detailed plan for you and your employees to follow.
We can all be thankful that the Mayan calendar ending did not result in our demise. Breathe some life into your social media, email marketing, blog and business with these four suggestions. Who knows, you might get some new contacts or leads from it. Just be sure to close them before the next doomsday prediction has you in another rut.
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Emma Walter is an account executive for WordWrite Communications. You can find her on Twitter @emmasreallytall.
