12/09/2025
The End-of-Year Communication Every Speaker Should Send to Past Clients
by Lois Creamer
As the year winds down, most speakers focus on finishing strong, wrapping up events, closing out financials, and taking a well earned break. But there’s one high-impact move that can set you up for a stronger, more profitable 2026: sending a smart, value-driven end-of-year communication to your past clients. This is a strategy many of my clients have used.
Too many speakers underestimate how powerful a simple, thoughtful message can be. Your clients already know you, like you, and have hired you before. They’re the warmest buyers in your world. And while you’re busy thinking about next year, so are they - budgets, retreats, conferences, sales meetings, and strategic planning sessions are all taking shape. If you’re not tapping into that planning window, you’re leaving opportunity on the table.
Here’s how to send an end-of-year message that feels personal, relevant, and opens the door to additional business.
1. Start With Appreciation
Clients want to feel seen and valued. Begin your message with a sincere thank-you for the opportunity to work together this year (even if it was last year (or longer), gratitude never expires! Acknowledge the importance of the work they do. Highlight how much you enjoyed supporting them. This sets the tone and makes the outreach feel like a relationship touchpoint, not a transaction.
2. Reflect on Key Wins
Remind them of the impact of your program. A simple line such as, “I’m still hearing from attendees who put X into action” or “Your team’s engagement in the session was a highlight of my year” positions you as a partner, not just a presenter. It helps jog their memory about the value you brought, and reinforces why bringing you back is a smart decision.
3. Pivot to the Year Ahead
This is where the magic happens. Tie your message to the realities of the marketplace: shifting expectations, uncertainty, new challenges, tighter budgets, or the need to uplevel skills. Let them know how your work is evolving for 2026, such as new topics, updated frameworks, refreshed case studies, or enhanced formats like breakouts, follow-ups, or virtual sessions.
You’re signaling that you’re not delivering the same talk on repeat. You’re keeping your finger on the pulse and showing up ready to help them succeed in a rapidly changing environment.
4. Make It Easy for Them to Take the Next Step
Close with a low-pressure invitation:
“If you’re in planning mode for 2026, I’d love to be part of the conversation. Just hit reply and I’ll send over a quick menu of options we can explore together.”
No forms. No friction. Just an easy reply.
5. Keep It Short and Warm
This is not a pitch deck. It’s a relationship-builder.
A friendly tone + clear value + a simple next step = bookings more business.
Final Thought
End-of-year communication isn’t about pushing for business. It’s about serving, nurturing the relationships that already exist and staying top-of-mind when buyers are actively planning. Speakers who send these messages consistently get more repeat work. Those who skip it compete with the entire marketplace for new business.
Walk into 2026 ahead of the game!
BONUS! Here's a sample email you can personalize and send.
"I hope you’re doing well! As we wrap up the year, I wanted to reach out and say how much I appreciated working with you and your team. If you’re starting to plan meetings for 2026, I’d love to be part of the conversation. I’ve updated my programs based on what’s shifting in the marketplace, and I think they’d be a strong fit for where many teams want to be. If you’d like options, just reply, and I’ll send a quick menu. Thanks again for the opportunity to support your group!"
Note: attach a PDF of your core offering sheet.
Then: CALL in January.
