Your Small Business This Holiday SeasonYour Office Planet

Some small business owners live for “Black Friday” in November, the time when holiday shopping shifts into high gear. What used to be an all-out horse race for positioning at door fronts of many small businesses alike, have now become a survival of the fittest in order to keep afloat.

Before we start the how-to in marketing to “Black Friday,” lets talk about the tools and basics…..

Small businesses dependent on seasonal sales cycles know well the implications of their inherent “feast or famine environment”. The high times, though hectic, are also highly profitable if done right. Slow periods, however, can compound the stress of surviving until the next sales uptick. But these businesses also have the advantage of planning ahead to better manage the good and not-so-good sides of the cycle.

As finances are critical any time of the year, a conservative approach to budgeting will provide an extra measure of safety in the event of your busy season results fall short of expectations. Create a special cash reserve account dedicated for off-season expenses. Many banks may also be helpful to have a financial plan in place for a “worst-case” scenario.

Idea 1: Partner with a non-profit that services kids during the holidays. Put together a quick press release that signifies your partnership aimed at helping families and kids. Partner with a small business owner that has a coffee shop and see if they will provide coffee to those standing outside or in search of something to keep them warm while they browse your store.

Seasonal business owners also typically expect to make up for the long hours when the sales cycles wane. Hiring temporary workers is a good way to avoid burnout, ensure top-quality customer service, and keep the spirits of the unemployed on the happy side during the holiday season.

Idea 2: Hiring temporary workers could be the best marketing move for you. Again with postcards and brochures in hand, send them out for three hours a day to places to get your information out there.

And though seasons come and go, don’t assume your customers will too. Keep in touch with them throughout the year with well-timed e-mail newsletters or ads, or a blog. They may not be ready to buy December holiday gifts in May or make beach restaurant reservations in November, but keeping them abreast of new product or menu offerings, facility improvements, or just a note to say hi will keep your business uppermost in their minds when it is time to spend seasonal dollars.

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Read original article at: https://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20141124010734-27010335-survive-and-thrive-in-your-small-business-this-holiday-season?trk=seokp_posts_primary_cluster_res_title