_edited.png)
In this special holiday episode of The Founders Society Podcast, Hayley Price and Meg Indy share unconventional but essential insights—'holiday hot takes'—for small business owners preparing for the festive season. They discuss everything from stepping away from Black Friday sales and using creative holiday marketing strategies to avoiding burnout by setting clear boundaries. If you're a small business owner looking to navigate the holidays in a more intentional, brand-aligned way, these tips offer a refreshing perspective.
.
1. Skip Black Friday Sales for Your Brand's Integrity
Hayley suggests that Black Friday sales aren't essential for small businesses, particularly those with a loyal customer base. Many small businesses feel pressured to offer discounts during this busy shopping season, but they often get drowned out by major brands with massive marketing budgets. Instead, Hayley recommends focusing on a sales strategy that aligns with your brand’s core values and allows you to stand out. Thoughtful promotions that highlight your story, values, and unique offerings can leave a lasting impression far beyond the typical Black Friday rush.
2. Think Beyond Discounts to Drive Sales
Meg shares her perspective that discounts aren’t the only way to motivate purchases. In fact, focusing on alternative incentives can help retain your brand’s perceived value. Offering thoughtful extras, such as gift-wrapping, limited-edition packaging, or special holiday gift guides, can set your brand apart and deliver additional value. Customers often appreciate unique perks that simplify their shopping experience or add a personal touch to their gifts, reinforcing the connection with your brand.
3. Set Boundaries and Take Time Off
As the holidays are a time for family and personal reflection, Hayley's second hot take encourages small business owners to take a well-deserved break. While it’s tempting to keep working through the season, Hayley emphasizes the importance of prioritizing rest and family time. Setting firm deadlines for holiday shipping, communicating them clearly to customers, and planning marketing efforts early can help ensure that your business doesn’t require your constant attention over the holidays. A balanced approach not only preserves your energy but also helps you enter the new year refreshed.
4. Use Non-Traditional Colors in Holiday Marketing
Meg encourages small business owners to get creative with their holiday branding by moving away from classic red and green color schemes. Instead, consider aligning holiday visuals with your existing brand palette or exploring alternative winter themes that feel authentic. By staying consistent with your brand colors, your holiday materials can feel more unique and true to your brand’s essence, allowing your content to stand out against more traditional holiday marketing.
5. Holiday Markets Aren't a Must-Do
Holiday markets are a popular choice for showcasing products during the season, but Meg suggests they may not be ideal for every small business. Before committing to a market, consider the costs involved, the expected audience, and whether your products are a good fit for the setting. For some businesses, focusing on online or direct-to-consumer sales channels during the holiday season may be a more effective way to reach your audience without the significant investment that comes with market participation.
6. Skip the Holiday-Themed Products
Another common misconception, according to Hayley, is that small businesses need holiday-specific products to succeed during the season. Rather than creating holiday-themed products, Hayley recommends getting creative with marketing and packaging your existing products as giftable items. Not only does this help you maintain inventory consistency, but it also allows you to focus on promoting the products that best represent your brand and resonate with your audience year-round.
Practical Tips for Holiday Preparedness
Hayley and Meg also share some helpful tips to make holiday preparations smoother and more impactful:
Sustainable Packaging: Use honeycomb paper or other eco-friendly options for packing, providing both visual appeal and added protection for shipped products.
Branded Touches: Adding embossed note cards with your logo can be a personal way to connect with customers, giving your packaging an extra professional touch.
Creative Decorations: For decorating your studio or workspace, get inventive with household items like magazine cutouts, candles, and greenery to create a warm holiday atmosphere without the need for major spending.
Taking the Time to Reflect
For Hayley and Meg, a successful holiday season isn’t just about increased sales—it’s also about intentional reflection and forward planning. They share an update on the Founders Society’s January retreat, which they have postponed to ensure an optimal experience for participants. This decision reflects their commitment to quality and the importance of thoughtful planning—a principle they encourage all small business owners to embrace during the busy holiday period.
Final Thoughts
The Founders Society Podcast with Hayley Price and Meg Indy is full of valuable insights for small business owners, especially during the holiday season. From rethinking traditional sales tactics to focusing on your brand’s uniqueness, the episode serves as a timely reminder to align your holiday strategy with your core values, prioritize self-care, and create meaningful connections with your customers.
By following these holiday “hot takes,” small business owners can not only survive the season but also thrive, entering the new year with renewed energy and purpose.
Commentaires