Preparing Your Small Business for the Holidays

When we think of the upcoming holidays in the business world, we think of higher foot traffic, more opportunity for profit, more team assistance needed, longer hours worked, possible client/customer or supply challenges, etc. As a small business owner, you may also be challenged to compete with big brands that the average customer flocks to due to brand recognition and convenience. Below are tried-and-true tips on how to help decrease that feeling of being overwhelmed and set yourself up for a successful holiday season.

One of the main points I always make with my clients is that you don’t have to have it all figured out right now. But, when it comes to this time of the year, my advice is that you want to have as much figured out before the start of the holiday season and have an action plan so you can hit the ground running with it when it starts.

STEP 1: Planning Overview

1. Space set up (visual layout)
2. Management team communication (Is everyone on the same page with your goals and outlook?)
3. Pre thought-out delegation (know what is expected of everyone, properly balancing the scale of responsibility so no one feels overwhelmed)

STEP 2: The Team / Your team is everything, especially at this time of the year

1. Do we need more people to help out this season?
2. How will we go about finding people we may need?
3. Have productive conversations individually with your team now on any opportunities they may have so your focus and energy can be on other aspects of the holiday season.
4. Discuss the importance of what customer service will need to look and sound like.

STEP 3: Implement / Have an all-team meeting about what you want and need from the team during this season.

1. Have your goals set and discuss
2. Discuss what is expected from everyone
3. Brainstorm ideas with your team so they are invested in the plan
4. Set the stage for everyone to be involved and have a hand in the success.
5. Make sure everyone understands, and the expectations are clear
6. Most importantly, make sure everyone walks away feeling empowered, excited, and on the same page

For many of you, this time of the year is the time you will see the most traffic/sales coming through your business. It is also the time you may see the most challenges that arise out of the year. That is why it is so important to set the tone and have a plan in motion now.

Remember, you are only one person, and you can't do it all on your own. To ensure you have a successful plan to achieve the results you want, you need support from your team. I am also available to help guide you in ensuring a productive, fun, and exciting environment this holiday.

Have a happy and successful holiday season!

Jaber Dabagia, Mechanical Chic