Sunday, 1st October 2017 | Management
The 3 stages of holiday preparation start today!
With the busiest months of the year for hospitality and retail just around the corner, preparation and management should begin now, in early fall. This planning will ensure a successful and highly profitable season.
With the busiest months of the year for hospitality and retail just around the corner, preparation and management should begin now, in early fall. This planning will ensure a successful and highly profitable season.
For some businesses, this short season contributes as much as 40 per cent of the annual revenue—so high that a bad season can be crippling.
Because the stakes are so high, it is essential that the planning be thorough and timely—not haphazard. This year, try to approach the season in three stages: planning, management and evaluation.
Planning: October-November
The first step, in early October, is creating a calendar of important dates over the next five months. This will guide you through the season and ensure you don’t leave anything too late.
This stage is also the time to organize inventory, marketing, hiring and secure financing.
Inventory
Analyze last year’s inventory and stock accordingly. The benefit to placing your orders early is saving money through early-order price incentives offered by some wholesalers and distributors.
For restaurateurs, this is the time to plan the menu and accessories. Will you offer the regular menu or include seasonal items or a prix fixe option for larger party bookings. What specialty items such as champagne or ingredients for seasonal recipes need to be ordered? Logistics should also be considered. For instance, menu changes may require different dishes. Introducing new dishes may require time for refining the recipe and training the staff. Beyond the food, festively-themed accessories and table settings should be considered now.
Marketing
Booking ads, graphic design work, printing and mailing take time, so even a simple campaign should be taken care of early.
There are many ways you can entice customers to your business: flyers, social media, print and online ads, email and partnering with another company to tap into their customers. Are you simply trying to raise awareness, or are you tempting people with a special offer? No matter what you do, the key is to be methodical in whom you are speaking to and what you are offering them.
Hiring
To manage the influx of customers and maintain excellent service, most businesses hire seasonal staff. The key to finding great seasonal staff is to invest time in training them, and also to treat them well so they return year after year. For more on how to get the most out of seasonal workers, read Best practices for hiring seasonal staff.
Funding
Purchasing inventory, staffing up and spending on marketing will add up, so plan your cash outlay carefully. Credit cards, while the easiest to access, have 30-day terms. iCapital’s financing is ideal for payback over a longer period. Whatever financing options you choose, be sure you are realistic about your cash flow projections so that the most lucrative season of the year doesn’t turn into the most costly one.
Management: December-January
The peak spending period, November 23 to January 1, is the time to introduce new menus, prepare for hosting regular parties and holiday functions and extend your hours of business. Regularly review the plan you created in October to ensure you don’t miss an important deadline.
One of the most critical things to manage during this period is the customer experience. Staffing and operations have to be carefully watched during the December rush—with so many new and existing customers coming through your door, you must protect—and build—your reputation. Hire temporary staff to handle back and front of house demands, and invest in training them properly. If you are understaffed, it is easy to stretch your workers too thinly. Special promotions and new menu items may also slow your staff down—so invest in comprehensive training.
In recent years, a growing number of businesses have kept their doors open as long and as often as possible, even on Christmas and New Year’s Day. Analyze the cost-benefit to justify staffing (availability and cost) on a holiday.
Evaluation: February
January and February tend to be the slowest months of the year for hospitality and retail. Holiday parties are over and shoppers’ wallets are empty. Businesses that mismanage their profits risk ending up in the red; hence the importance of planning for the highs and lows of the winter period.
Take advantage of this time to establish new goals and forecast for the months ahead. Use last year’s statistics to gain accurate insight on how to scale down on inventory, staffing and other operating costs.
Though every year is different from the last, one thing is guaranteed: every holiday season is demanding. Taking this methodical approach to managing the season will put you in the best possible standing for making the most of the holiday rush, riding out the post-holiday slump and building your reputation in the process.
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Embracing AI: Small Business Marketing Success
Venturing into Artificial Intelligence (AI) may seem like treading uncharted waters, but it's an opportunity for small businesses to revolutionize marketing strategies and spark growth. Much like the buzz surrounding ChatGPT, AI tools offer myriad capabilities, ranging from task automation to personalized customer experiences. In fact, research shows that 39% of small businesses have already invested in AI tools to innovate their customer engagement and retention strategies, leveraging AI to save both time and money.
Unlocking the Power of AI Tools
AI tools span a wide spectrum of applications to streamline processes, analyze data, and optimize marketing campaigns. Let's explore some key AI tools commonly embraced in small business marketing:
Data analysis
AI-powered analytics programs sift through vast volumes of marketing data, distilling valuable insights and trends that inform strategic decisions and fuel campaign optimization. This enhances efficiency and facilitates cost savings, with 25% of businesses using these savings to increase wages and benefits.
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
NLP technology empowers chatbots and virtual assistants to engage customers in natural conversations, enriching customer service and sales interactions.
Automated decision-making
AI algorithms offer actionable recommendations, guiding marketing strategy decisions to ensure resource allocation aligns with business objectives and budget constraints.
Content generation
AI-driven tools churn out written content, such as blog posts and social media captions, at scale, freeing up time for creative endeavours while maintaining quality and consistency.
Real-time personalization
Leveraging customer data, AI enables personalized marketing experiences by delivering tailored recommendations and offers, thereby enhancing engagement and driving conversions.
Leveraging AI for Marketing Success
Incorporating AI tools into the marketing toolkit can yield substantial benefits for small businesses. Here's a roadmap to harnessing AI for marketing success:
Harness data insights
Utilize AI analytics platforms to extract actionable insights from marketing data, empowering informed decision-making and continuous optimization.
Elevate customer engagement
Deploy AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to provide personalized customer experiences, fostering satisfaction and loyalty.
Make informed choices
Rely on AI-driven recommendations to shape marketing strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market dynamics.
Streamline content creation
Utilize AI content generation tools to produce high-quality written content efficiently, maintaining relevance and resonance with the audience.
Deliver tailored experiences
Leverage AI to deliver real-time personalized marketing messages and offers, nurturing deeper connections and driving conversions.
Designing an AI Marketing Strategy
Designing an effective AI marketing strategy requires careful planning and strategic execution. Here's how to do it:
Identify Business Requirements
Assess business needs and objectives to determine how AI can support marketing goals.
Decide AI Framework
Choose AI tools and technologies that align with business requirements and budget constraints.
The Right Approach
Adopt a strategic approach to implementing AI in the marketing strategy, focusing on areas where it can deliver the most significant impact.
Evolve
Continuously monitor and refine the AI marketing strategy to adapt to changing market dynamics and emerging trends.
By embracing the power of AI, small businesses can unlock new avenues for growth and competitiveness in the ever-evolving digital landscape. With careful planning and strategic implementation, AI can be a game-changer for small business marketing, driving engagement, loyalty, and business success. So, let's embark on this exciting journey together and seize the opportunities that AI has to offer.
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Cybersecurity Strategies for Small Businesses
As we embark on a new year, the ever-evolving digital landscape presents opportunities and challenges. In 2024, one of the paramount challenges demanding attention is the persistent threat of cyber attacks.
Safeguarding your business against these threats is not just advisable—it's imperative. Let's explore the crucial cybersecurity strategies every small business should adopt for a secure and prosperous journey throughout 2024.
Understanding the Landscape
The IBC’s 2023 Cyber Security Survey revealed a concerning trend among small businesses. Despite over 60% considering their size immune to cybercriminal attention, small businesses with 1,000 or fewer employees experienced a surprising 43% of yearly cyber attacks in 2023.
Crucial Cybersecurity Strategies for Small Businesses
Educate Your Team
Empowering your team with effective cyber threat identification skills is essential. Regular training sessions can equip them to recognize phishing emails, use strong passwords, and identify potential security risks. A well-informed team serves as the first line of defence against cyber adversaries.
Ensure your training addresses these common security issues:
1. Phishing attacks: Deceptive tactics to trick victims into sharing sensitive information or deploying harmful software.
2. Malware attacks: Cyber threats involving malicious software executing unauthorized actions.
3. Ransomware: Malicious software designed to deny access to files, demanding a ransom for decryption.
Employee Training and Awareness Programs
Acknowledge that your employees are not just integral to your business—they are the first line of defence against cyber threats. Regular training and awareness programs inform your team about the latest cyber threats and preventive measures. Cultivate a culture of cybersecurity awareness where every team member actively contributes to the protection of your business.
Strengthening Your Digital Shield
Crafting an impenetrable shield for your small business involves developing good cybersecurity habits through daily practices:
1. Regular Software Updates: Keep all software, including operating systems and security applications, up-to-date to patch vulnerabilities.
2. Security Audits: Conduct routine security audits to identify and rectify potential weaknesses in your systems.
3. Password Policies: Enforce strong password policies, promoting the use of complex, unique passwords.
4. Require long, varied passwords for sensitive accounts.
5. Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
Invest in Cybersecurity Technology
As cyber threats advance, upgrading defences is crucial. Invest in state-of-the-art cybersecurity tools like antivirus software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems to serve as your digital guardians, actively monitoring and thwarting potential threats.
Proactive Preparedness
Craft a comprehensive incident response plan that includes:
1. Communication Protocols: Clearly define communication channels during a cyber incident.
2. Data Backup Strategies: Regularly back up critical data to minimize the impact of potential data loss.
3. Mitigation Steps: Establish procedures to mitigate potential damage during and after a cyberattack.
The Stakes Are High
In 2023, small businesses accounted for a significant portion of annual cyber attacks, emphasizing the need to view cybersecurity not as an expense but as an investment. Cybersecurity is not a luxury—it's a prerequisite for sustainable success. As you navigate the intricate web of business operations in 2024, remember that a secure foundation is key to achieving your goals. Despite the challenges in the digital realm, informed decisions and proactive measures can help your business emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.
Blog
The Top 10 Small Business Trends for 2024
As small business owners, anticipating the shifts that shape success is always on your agenda. In the ever-changing business landscape of 2024, specific trends will be crucial to staying relevant and thriving. Let's recap the top 10 trends that should be on your radar for the coming year:
1. Tech Integration for Maximum Efficiency:
Small businesses are unlocking the power of technology to streamline operations. From intuitive software to smart automation tools, embracing these innovations can enhance efficiency, trim costs, and keep you at the forefront of your industry.
2. Sustainability and Climate Change:
Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it's a game-changer. Small businesses are discovering the benefits of eco-friendly practices, not only for the environment but also for their bottom line. Going green can set you apart and resonate with conscious consumers.
3. Flexible Work Models:
The 9-to-5 office setup is evolving. Small businesses are embracing flexible work arrangements—remote work, flexible hours, and hybrid models—opening doors to a global talent pool while fostering a healthier work-life balance for your team.
Related: A shortened workweek: fad or the future of work?
4. Personalized Customer Experiences:
In an era where personalization reigns supreme, small businesses are customizing customer experiences. From targeted marketing to personalized products and services, understanding and meeting individual customer needs are keys to success.
5. Continued Growth of E-commerce:
E-commerce is not slowing down. Small businesses are seizing the opportunity to reach a broader audience, implement targeted marketing, and offer convenient purchasing options. Investing in a robust online presence is no longer a choice—it's a necessity.
6. Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-being:
A healthy work environment is essential. Small businesses are putting employee well-being first, introducing initiatives like employee assistance programs, flexible schedules, and wellness benefits to create a thriving and productive workforce.
7. Digital Marketing, Content Creation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Stay ahead in the digital era by creating valuable content, engaging with customers through social media, and implementing SEO strategies. Integrate AI to streamline content creation processes, adding a layer of innovation to your marketing strategy.
Related Article: 7 ways how AI empowers small businesses to achieve more in less time
8. Cybersecurity and Data Protection:
In the digital age, safeguarding your business is crucial. Invest in strong cybersecurity to protect sensitive data and maintain customer trust. Shockingly, small businesses, including those with 1,000 or fewer employees, account for 43% of annual cyber attacks in 2023. This data underscores the need for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to fortify your defence against potential threats.
9. Innovative Payment Solutions:
How we pay is evolving, and your business should evolve with it. Consider offering various payment options, including mobile wallets and contactless payments, to cater to diverse customer preferences.
10. Agile Business Models:
Agility is the cornerstone of success in 2024. Be responsive to market changes, adapt swiftly to challenges, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Flexibility in operations and decision-making will give your business a competitive edge.
Incorporating these trends into your business strategy isn't just smart; it's the key to staying relevant and successful. Keep these considerations in mind as you navigate the dynamic landscape of 2024.
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