graphicstockTo take full advantage of the opportunity, small-business owners need to focus not only on getting people to walk in their doors, but also making sure they walk out as customers.
The numbers from last year demonstrate the need to close more sales. In 2016, a record 112 million Americans said they shopped independent businesses on Small Business Saturday, a 13 percent increase from 2015. However, even with this surge of shoppers, estimated sales dipped slightly to $15.4 billion.
The challenge is a bit of a catch-22 for many small-business owners: Unlike large retailers that slash prices and stay open at crazy hours to boost sales, most small businesses compete on unique products and services backed by exceptional service. On any regular day, these positive attributes are personified by the business owner, who can help close the sale. When your business is jam-packed with shoppers on Small Business Saturday, however, it may be more of a challenge to reach all of them with your unique story.
What you need is more of you to go around. Of course, most small-business owners feel that way every day. For Small Business Saturday, you need a strategy that enables you to spend more time connecting with customers so that you can close more sales and add that personal touch. That requires a combination of solid planning and having the right tools at your disposal. Here are a few tips that will help you get ready for the rush:
Staff up strategically.
Staffing up is a no-brainer for any business participating in Small Business Saturday, but owners should think just as much about how their staff is deployed. If you are working the register, checking inventory or stocking shelves, you’re not converting sales. Think about assigning other employees to tackle the behind-the-scenes tasks that frees up your…
