The holiday season is a busy and wonderful time for small-business owners. The weeks leading up to the holidays have the potential to drive the most profitable sales of the year. But between the rush of customers, holiday campaigns to manage and end-of-year reports, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

The town of Bluffton’s business incubator, the Don Ryan Center for Innovation, can provide strategies and tips to thrive during the holiday sales season.

1. Know your dates: Create a running list of dates. This will help you manage the buildup to each major event, so you are well-prepared.

2. Use your calendar: It’s important to stay organized during the holidays. With the increase in things like parties, shopping and events, you don’t want to have to cancel or miss anything because you didn’t put it on your calendar. Set up meetings in advance, enter everything into your Google calendar or planner, and don’t overbook yourself.

3. Promote: Offering special deals or products over the holidays is a great idea, but remember, no one will know about them unless you promote them. Launch a marketing campaign across your social media accounts, update your website to include promotions. Advertising locally is a great option, too. Giveaways and contests are also a cost-effective way to engage with your customers and bring in new business.

4. Think like your customers: Think about what matters most to your customers this year. Don’t just rely on data. What problems can you solve for their pain points? Base your strategies on those.

5. Take time to enjoy the season: Set boundaries and stick to a schedule. Make sure to take the time to enjoy events, spend time with family and relax. Eat the cookies!

While you are out and about, come by for a visit and also see our newest neighbor at Buckwalter Place, the Culinary Institute of the South. It Is quite Impressive and a great addition to our town, and will benefit the entire region and state.

This year, treat yourself to business resources, consultations and a large network of seasoned mentors. Sign up for a free membership to the Don Ryan Center at https://www.donryancenter.com/membership.

If you ever have questions about our wonderful town, don’t hesitate to contact Town Hall at 706-4500 or email Lisa Sulka at lsulka@townofbluffton.com. 

Credit: Original article published here.