December is an interesting month in business. Some people sprint to the finish line, others tap out early (even November), and most of us find ourselves somewhere in the middle, trying to balance work, family, rest, and a bit of reflection before the new year kicks off.
Relationships don’t take holidays. If anything, this is the best time to stay present in the minds of the people who matter to your business.
Referral partnerships work because of trust, familiarity, and connection. They grow when you make the effort to stay in touch even when you’re technically “on holidays”. And the beauty of December is that the way you stay in touch can be much more relaxed and even a bit personal.
Here are five easy ways to stay connected with your referral partners over the break, without feeling like you’re working.
1. A simple check-in message that isn’t transactional
A quick “Hope you’re having a good break” can mean more in December than any conversation in June. But the key is to keep it human.
Try things like:
• “Hope you’re getting a bit of time to switch off. You’ve earned it.”
• “Just checking in to say thanks for all your support this year.”
• “I’ll give you a buzz in Jan, but for now enjoy the break.”
This keeps the relationship warm without overstepping the holiday boundary.
2. Share something personal that helps them see you outside of business
December is a month of stories, family moments, silly mishaps, BBQ disasters, beach days, and those small snippets of real life we often skip during the year.
Sharing something personal (not private) helps deepen the relationship.
Ideas:
• A photo from a morning walk or holiday spot
• Something funny that happened with your kids or pets
• A reflection you had
• A win you’re proud of that isn’t work-related
You’re simply letting them see the person behind the business.
People recommend people they feel they know. These little touches help with that.
3. Send a genuine thank-you that acknowledges their part in your year
December is the perfect time to show appreciation, and it doesn’t need to be fancy.
You could send:
• A handwritten card (rare these days, so it stands out…and it’s a Scorecard point)
• A short voice note. Very personal and takes 10 seconds
• A simple message: “Thanks for being in my corner this year. I genuinely appreciate you.”
Gratitude strengthens partnerships more than any strategy ever will. When you show that you value the relationship, people remember it.
4. Share an idea, resource, or opportunity that made you think of them
Another way to stay connected is to show that you’re thinking of their goals.
Examples:
• A podcast episode aligned with something they’re working on
• A book you’ve read that they’d enjoy
• A possible collaboration idea for next year
• An introduction you can set up in January
• An event you think they should know about
You’re adding value without expecting anything back.
5. Lock in a January catch-up. No agenda, just connection
Trying to book meetings in December is like trying to swim against a rip. No point.
But people love having something in the diary for when the new year starts.
This could be:
• A coffee in the first two weeks of January
• A walk-and-talk
• A breakfast catch-up
• A quick 30-minute Zoom to reconnect and plan the year ahead
The catch-up itself is not the goal. The message is:
“I value this relationship enough to set the tone for next year.”
It makes your referral partner feel like they’re on your “A-list”.
December doesn’t have to be a quiet month for relationships. In fact, it’s one of the easiest times to deepen them because the pressure is off. People are more open, more reflective, and more receptive to genuine connection.
If you want to start January strong, don’t disappear in December.
Stay present, stay human, and stay connected through small, thoughtful touches.
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