A to-do list to keep your business running during the holidays
With holidays just around the corner, it's hard to not get excited. Closing your laptop, getting away from your everyday routine, and taking a few days just for yourself is something you're probably already dreaming of at work. But a holiday season for your business doesn't exactly mean the same for your customers.
They're going to need help with your products or services even when you're away—and you need to make sure you're there for them. Plus, landing new customers or holding onto existing ones is a yearlong, 24/7 process. Whether you're sunbathing at the beach or relaxing at home, it's always important not to interrupt the flow of your business. Here are a few tips that can help you do just that:
1. Plan your workflows
Since you know the holiday season is coming, make sure you have a plan to ensure your business can run while you're away. Even if you don't have a solid plan, don't try to change things—sticking to your existing setup is almost always your safest bet. You should also establish lighter workflows during the time you're away. Conduct important meetings in advance and plan your time to ensure things are done before you're gone.
Remember, if it isn't broken, don't fix it. Don't make any major changes to your processes towards the end of the year, as it can lead to complications when you're not there. Keeping things simple should do the job.
2. Keep your customers/clients updated
Communication is a key aspect to running any business—it's important to keep your clients updated on what you're up to, to ensure things are smooth. Inform your clients/customers well in advance that you'll be away, so that they're prepared for your absence. Also, it's a good idea to set their expectations by letting them know any limitations they may experience while you're gone. Small things like this will help build a sense of trust in your customers about the way you run your business.
3. Set up automated emails
Even if you inform your clients about your absence, there's a chance that they might still contact you during your holiday. Acknowledging your customers' emails is a critical aspect of holding on to them—and not responding in a timely manner is a great way to lose them.
Remember to set up automated emails stating that you're away for the holiday period, as well as mentioning when you'll be back. For instance, Zoho Mail has a built-in automated email feature which will respond with an out-of-office message automatically, every time you receive an email.
Having a backup person to address important emails immediately can also be helpful in your absence. If possible, set up your workflow to redirect important emails to you and someone else you trust at your business. You can also provide a phone number for them to contact you or the backup person, in case of an emergency.
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4. Show your customers that you care
Holiday seasons are special for your clients, too. Showing them they matter to you at times like these can earn you a lot of good will. You can schedule well wishes and greetings for your customers in the form of emails to go out during the holidays when you're away. Sending out holiday emails on Christmas or New Years is a nice heartwarming gesture that can help you stay on the mind of your customers—and a discount code or gift card will make you stand out even more.
5. Ensure technical aspects are sorted
One thing that irritates customers is if something is technically wrong with your product and they don't get it resolved in time. Even though your holidays are over quickly, you never know when your customers might need your help. That's why it's vital to have a few support executives active to sort out any technical difficulties that may spring up.
6. Schedule your social media posts
Taking time off from work doesn't have to mean the same for your social media presence. Social media marketing is huge for any business where consistency is key. So being inactive, even for a short period, can affect your business. However, with the help of social media management apps like Buffer, Hootsuite, and Zoho Social, you'll be able to schedule your social media posts ahead of time.
This means you can come up with creative and eye-catching social media posts and campaigns to show your presence during the holiday season and make sure they arrive right on time by scheduling them in advance. The holiday season is crucial for your social media presence, so don't waste the opportunity to use it right.
7. Stay informed
Information is valuable, so it's important to always keep track of whatever's going on with your business. Set up your notifications before you leave for your holiday, to ensure that you get regular updates in your mailbox, and be ready to take calls if important clients need you. You can also make sure to get in touch with your point of contact in the office everyday, so you know you're in the loop.
Also, if you have ecommerce applications like Shopify enabled for your business, and want to keep track of them, you can integrate your Shopify store with your communication platforms like Slack with the help of an integration platform like Zoho Flow. This keeps you notified and helps you stay on top of your business, even while you're away.
While making sure your business is running at full speed is crucial, it's also important to enjoy your holidays. With all these steps set up, you can worry less about your business for awhile, and focus more on having a relaxing time.
There are many applications out there to help you manage your business while you're away—use them to plan your holiday workflow in advance, enjoy your holidays, and run your business hassle-free, all at the same time.