Orlando, Fla. —Perhaps, by now, you and your business have endured, weather, key employees taking a new direction, shoplifting or any other kind of theft. Maybe you feel now invencible, but what will the future bring? Will you be able to keepyour dream? 

Your employees are counting on you to make sure they sustain their wants and needs as well.

Their families don’t just think, but they know you will do everything possible to protect the way the make 

their living.

We all know it’s easier said than done but a good business owner / manager is prepared with all the right tools to persevere. Plus, you know what? ’Tis the season! No one, and we mean no body, wants to lose their job during the holiday season.

In Florida, we are fortunate enough to not have to deal with  damaging winter storms. We had our share already with the Hurricane Season. But other risks do exist despite the joy and happiness we share with our customers, staff, contractors, families and friends.

Speaking about the Holiday Season, if you are a small business owner, you may be considering to participate in a wonderful effort called Small Business Saturday® which will take place this year on November 25, in other words, the Saturday right after Thanksgiving. For all the latest updates on #SmallBizSat and #ShopSmall.

A myriad of marketing materials and ideas are available FREE for small business owners who want to take advantage of this wonderful initiative. American Express has taken a lead in this business event to spur big sales for the holidays. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration encourages small business owners across the nation, to take an active part in making successful marketing campaigns for the holidays.

The SBA also offers a few ideas to maximize your return on investment while sponsoring or hosting events during the holidays.

1. Sponsor events that matter to your customers

If you sponsor an event this season, pick something that matters to your customers. Who attends the event? What are their interests? If they don’t care about what you’re selling, then you’re wasting your time.

2. Choose events that create an experience that reflects positively on your business

If you are planning on sponsoring an event, whether it’s your local Little League tournament or your town’s annual community health drive, you need to have clear goals and you’ll want to partner with events that reflect positively on your brand.

3. Pick events that are well run

If the event is badly run it will reflect directly on your business. Talk to other business owners who’ve participated in the event and target events that have a good track record of participation and success. 

4. Understand sponsorship levels

Many events offer different levels of sponsorship. While it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting for your investment, be sure to select a sponsorship that plays to your strengths.

5. Don’t just show up – engage

Think about ways to become an integral part of the event.  Align your tactics with the event’s goals. If all you can afford is logo placement, it might not be worth participating. Be creative, offer discounts to attendees, offer branded giveaways, get your logo on the event host’s giveaways (for example, branded water bottles) or host a contest or other experience that gets attendees interacting with your business.

Bring your employees along and encourage them to get involved, both as staff and as participants.

6. If you’re hosting a private event, invest in your VIPs

Private events are a great way to make your valued customers feel special. Whether you host a private in-store sale or an invitation-only holiday party for your loyal customers, you’ll get more from your investment with a little research and a plan of action.

We hope you find these tips helpful and wish you a very successful kick-start of your holiday, and probably, year end sales keeping always in mind to protect your dream and that of those who depend on you.