Small Business Owners Guide to Surviving the Holidays | The Savvy Peach

The holidays are hectic and when you toss in the added bonus of being a small biz owner, life can just seem plain overwhelming.

Am I the only one? Christmas parties, school performances, gifts to wrap and last minute grocery trips… and that is just on the personal side of life! Last minute business deals, new clients who need Christmas promotional items and marketing guidance, year end accounting and new year planning… hello business life.  When these two worlds collide, Christmas turns to chaos and the true reason for the season gets tossed out like yesterday’s news.

Let’s not make the same mistakes this year. Can you get excited about setting yourself up for success? Since I’ve tried the above methods and they stink (like, super stink), I have some tried and true tips that will help you rock your Christmas and party like it’s 1999 into the new year.

Make your list and check it twice.

It sounds rather simple, right? If Santa can do it, then we as small business owners can too! The hustle of the holidays always seem to pile up. Take time to make lists of things that (1) need to be done before the holidays, (2) things that can be done once your holiday festivities are finished, and (3) things that are top priority and/or rush.  By looking at the big picture and planning ahead, your schedule can breathe a little, as can you.

Don’t be naughty, take some time off.

Y’all. I cannot preach this one enough. First, it is the holidays and you need to take time to spend with family and friends. They love you a lot more than your business does. This time is needed in order for you to be refreshed and ready to kick things off strong in the new year. As you make your lists, please include time off… even if it is just a day or two to each, drink and be merry.

Set up an “out of office” email.

People will email. They may not know these three awesome tips and may be spending their holly jolly season in the office pouring over last minute details for 2017. Here is the thing, just because THEY decide to work, doesn’t mean YOU need to work. Ya dig? Set a precedent for yourself and your business by letting folks know that you are closed. Give them a nice message, the date you plan on returning and you are set.  Here is a quick look at what my message this holiday season will say:

Hey y’all! Merry Christmas! Thank you for contacting The Savvy Peach.

We are off celebrating with our family and friends, but will be back in the office on December 27th & 28th to answer all of your questions and work on your pretty projects. We will be closed December 29th through January 2nd to ring in the new year, but we promise on January 3rd to be refreshed, focused and pumped to kick off 2017 with you!

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas & well wishes for your 2017,
Stephanie & The Savvy Peach family

Don’t stress this holiday season. Make the best of the time you have by planning ahead with your list(s), allowing for time off and prepping your clients with an autoresponse for your email.  Shoot, change your voicemail too!

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