Holidays are a big gift to small businesses who know how to tap into seasonal spending spikes. Despite rising gas, oil and energy prices, consumers still feel generous when it comes to gift-giving and merry-making, writes Gail F. Goodman for Enterpreneur.com.

If you already have an existing e-mail list, you can implement the following 3-step strategies:

• Solve a customer’s problem - Recommend gift ideas and price ranges based on existing purchasing behavior.
• Time your offer right - Start offering specials now so that customers have a lot of time to plan. Free overnight shipping for others who wait until the last minute. Craft your subject lines to tell them what you’re promoting.
• Target their needs - Promote relevant, timely and valuable products to the list.

The strategy applies well to other events throughout the year. Customer will much appreciate your offering if you try to solve their problem first instead of merely promoting your products.

Source: Enterpreneur.com.