For many businesses, retailers and e-tailers in particular, Christmas is the busiest time of the year. If you haven't prepared yourself already, here's how you can weather the storm:- Try not to get bamboozled by the rush - prepare yourself mentally for a busy time.
- Plan ahead - you know Christmas is coming, so there's no excuse for not being organised.
- Ease your stress - take on extra staff and extend your opening times.
- Contact your customers - send customers a personalised greetings card. Go one step further, personalise your postage and overprint your envelopes with your company name or logo.
- Smile - it makes all the difference to your customers, and makes you feel good too!
Many companies go quiet after the Christmas burst. You might be ready to switch off but, instead, consider taking advantage of the calm:
- Use the down time wisely - then, you won't have to play 'catch-up' when your business is fully operational again.
- Stay visible - don’t disappear over the holidays. Open with fewer staff and reduced hours. Use your website as your shop window and to take orders while you're away.
- Create a holiday notice board - so staff can easily pass on and pick up messages from each other.
- Put your mail on hold - keep your mail safe by putting it on hold.
- Plan for the year ahead - get yourself and your business organised for the next 12 months and get on top of the company house-keeping.
Will you be busy this Christmas or is your business shutting down? What tips do you have to stay on top of the silly season? Share them here.
