Despite the challenges of 2020, we’ve officially arrived at the year’s busiest season. Between all of the holiday activities, shopping, family, and everything else that goes along with this time of year, it could be easy to lose track of the business essentials. Plus, this year we’ve all been dealing with another big distraction: COVID.
Let’s take a look at a few ways to approach this season with productivity and organization. That way, you won’t get lost or overwhelmed in the process. They may seem like no-brainers, but you’d be surprised at how even neglecting the no-brainers can cause some unnecessary issues later.
Holiday Business Checklist
Check Your Website
This time of year is always a good time to check into your website and give it a thorough once-over. Is it ready for the busy holiday season? Is it current, easy to navigate, and is your e-commerce (if you have one) aspect fully functioning and bug-free? Has your message changed over the year? Ask yourself these questions and make sure your website is ready for the holiday season and the upcoming new year.
Plan a New Marketing Campaign
Your audience may be more active now through the end of the year, so it’s critical that you get strategic and plan out ways to capture that audience. Build your holiday marketing around what sets you apart from the crowd. Ask yourself some key questions: why will customers want to spend time at your small business this holiday season? What makes you unique? Determine the answer, and build a marketing campaign around it.
Get Supplies
No matter what business you’re in, you’ll find that there’s a certain list of items that need to be on-hand during the holiday season. Whether that’s holiday cards, raffle items, and branded/logo collateral, community gifts, or something else, make a list this month and order in advance so you aren’t scrambling in December. You don’t want to get stuck paying rush shipping or stressing about potential shipping delays.
Make Holiday Schedules
It’s time to determine your holiday business hours, if they need to be different from the rest of the year. Look back on last year and see what worked and what might work even better. Consider your own holiday-related commitments – if you’re an entrepreneur, you know that it can feel like a 24/7 schedule. Take time now to factor in all of your upcoming plans so that you can adapt your work schedule accordingly. The more you plan now, the smoother everything will go once the holidays really start rolling.
Plan for the Pandemic
One unfortunate consideration that is impacting all of us this year is the covid pandemic and the related economic shutdowns. Many of us are struggling to keep businesses open, so remember to shop local when you can. Also, keep in mind the following tips for dealing with COVID and your business during the holidays:
- Plan for the unexpected
- Keep celebrations small to avoid last-minute problems
- Encourage proper hygiene and social distancing protocols
- Promote safety around food and drinks
- Pick and choose the holiday celebrations that matter most to avoid unnecessarily travel
- Celebrate the holidays from home if you feel sick
- Think of creative ways to celebrate the holidays virtually
No matter what the holidays look like for you and your business, taking some time now to gather, organize and strategize will keep you on track and set you up for success during the most productive (and hectic) time of the year.
If you are interested in learning more about having fun working for yourself, marketing products you love, talk to Alan with AdvancingWithUs.
