Are you ready for the holidays?

October 4, 2019

The time is NOW to ensure your business is ready for the balance of the year! Small businesses can sometimes be neglectful in planning their sales and marketing efforts in order to properly position themselves to achieve their seasonal sales goals. For many businesses, the last 8-10 weeks of the year can represent a sizable chunk of their overall business...& therefore difficult (& sometimes impossible) to make up if missed.

Do not let this happen to you! Taking the time NOW to ensure all i's are dotted and all t's are crossed is imperative to the success of any business impacted by the hustle and bustle of the holidays...and more importantly, to maximize the increased sales opportunities.

If you haven't started, or are a little behind in the planning process...this checklist will be helpful in getting your business organized and prepared for the remainder of the year:

1. Make sure your sales are planned. Sales goals are a must for business success and growth. Everything else is dependent upon this as a starting point. Your sales goals will, of course, determine your inventory & marketing/promotional budget & needs.

2. Create your Marketing Plan to include your message, goals, methods & timing.

3. Don't sleep Black Friday, Small Business Saturday & Cyber Monday sales opportunities! AMEX even offers FREE tools to help small businesses plan and promote their brands for SBS...but you have to start now to take advantage of these FREE opportunities.

4. Ensure promotional materials for each holiday are underway (both print and digital as needed).

5. For brick and mortar, complete any small repairs/maintenance needs. The holidays are the perfect time to gain new customers. We often get one chance to make a good impression...make it count!

6. Holiday decorations (& treats) if brick & mortar. You want your shopping environment to be pleasant and fun and inviting and happy!

7. Order giveaways, greeting cards and holiday thank-you gifts...it is no secret that prices often rise as your needs do! Don't wait until last minute resulting in higher costs and expedited shipping rates for late shipping.

8. If you are planning a holiday party for your team...now is the time to book the venue!

9. Hire seasonal help. Unemployment rates are low, everyone is hiring...don't wait until the last minute!

10. Plan employee schedules...everyone likes to take vacation this time of year. Proper planning will ensure your business is covered & avoid last minute & unnecessary call outs.

Leave no stone unturned...take advantage of every opportunity to beat your sales goals this year! Failing to plan is planning to fail...preparation is key!

Contact us if you need assistance...we can help with most aspects of the above checklist!