STAYING FOCUSED DURING THE BUSY SEASON
The Holidays Can Be Hectic, But They Also Offer the Opportunity for Bigger Profits. Here's How to Handle the Holiday Business While Maintaining Your Sanity.
By Mike Foley
The Holiday Season is a mixed blessing. Sure, you have a chance to sell more and increase your profits. But these few weeks at the end of the year can also be hectic and, for some, overwhelming. And what good are those extra sales if you're health takes a substantial nose dive?
Fortunately, with the right focus, you can bring in that extra money, while significantly reducing your stress levels. Sound too good to be true? It really isn't. So let's take a look at a few points to consider.
* Make a Plan--Think ahead and try to anticipate the demand for your product or service. If you've been in business for several years, you can use sales figures from previous years to help you determine what might happen in the upcoming season.* Be Sensitive--Remember that our culture has become extremely diverse. Although we still have a holiday season, not everyone celebrates the same holidays in the same way. Rather than focusing on a specific celebration (like Christmas, for example), use the general term "holiday" when talking about "holiday discounts" or "holiday sales events."
* Dress For the Season--With the above point in mind, decorate your store or website to reflect the holiday season. But remember that "Less is More." A store or site that is lightly and tastefully decorated can help put customers in a holiday shopping mood. On the other hand, a store or website that is overdone can be a turn off.
* Keep It Simple--This isn't the time to create new business approaches, website features or special customer tools (like a gift registry, for example). Most customers want the holiday shopping experience to be simple, time-saving, and hassle free. Give them that experience and they'll remember you.
* Respond--With such a large volume of business during the holidays, you're bound to encounter a few dissatisfied customers. How will you deal with them? Responding quickly and courteously may earn you a second chance with someone who is disappointed.
* Delegate--As business picks up, you won't be able to handle everything yourself. Choose a trusted employee to take the burden off, one who understands your business and can handle tough situations as they arise.
* Hire Seasonal Help--Because high schools and colleges take a holiday break each year, you may be able to hire local students to help you during the season. That helps your business and offers the students valuable work experience.
* Relax--Although you may find it difficult to take significant time off during the peak holiday season, a day off now and then can do wonders for your health and well being. A long weekend is even better.
As with any busy season, the holidays can be a great time for you and your business. The main thing to remember is that you're not a super hero. Careful planning and hired help are perhaps the most important aspects of staying healthy right up through New Year's Day.
Mike Foley is the author of more than 700 stories and articles. He has been editor at The Dream Merchant since 1990. Writers interested in his critique/editing services may visit his website: http://www.writers-review.com
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