Finding Your Own Path: Releasing the Black Friday Pressure
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Black Friday 2024: Early Planning Secrets for Maximum Profits
In this episode of The Deeply Rooted Business Podcast, we're pulling back the curtain on Black Friday - and trust me, it's not just about those midnight doorbusters!
Having spent years in retail trenches, Jess will share what really goes on behind those "biggest sale of the year" signs. We're talking about the exhausting prep work, the strategic planning, and yes, even why some savvy business owners choose to sit this one out completely.
Jess and Rachel will unpack the real impact of discounting on your business (it's not just about the bottom line), why understanding your ideal client's Black Friday behavior is crucial, how to compete with big retailers (or whether you even should), and ways to preserve your energy during this high-stakes season.
Plus, Rachel joins us with her marketing expertise to discuss smart alternatives to the traditional Black Friday madness. Whether you're planning to dive into Black Friday or considering a different approach, this episode is packed with insights to help you make the best decision for your business.
The Real Talk About Discounts
Here's something most people won't tell you: discounting your services, especially the time-intensive ones, might be doing more harm than good.
When you train your clients to wait for sales, you're inadvertently teaching them that your full-price offerings aren't worth it.
Big retailers can afford to slash prices because they're playing a different game. They have the margins, the volume, and let's be honest, the corporate backing to absorb those hits. But you? You're building something different.
Instead of cutting prices, consider these approaches:
- Create value-packed bundles
- Add exclusive bonuses
- Develop special content that enhances your existing offerings
Energy Management (Because Who Needs Holiday Burnout?)
Major retailers start their Black Friday planning somewhere around... Easter. Yes, really. They have entire teams dedicated to this one shopping event.
Meanwhile, you're wearing all the hats in your business, and your energy is a finite resource. Remember why you started your own business? Maybe it was for the freedom to actually enjoy the holidays with your family (like me), or maybe it was to escape the corporate hamster wheel.
Here's your permission slip: You don't have to match that corporate energy. In fact, sometimes the most strategic move is to step back and recharge while everyone else is running themselves ragged.
Beyond Black Friday: Alternative Paths to Success
Instead of succumbing to promotion FOMO, what if you used Q4 differently? This could be your time to:
- Deep dive into your data (what actually worked this year?)
- Map out your strategic plan for the new year
- Study your audience's natural buying patterns
- Build genuine connections with your community
The beauty of running your own business is that you get to write your own rules. Maybe your best Black Friday strategy isn't a strategy at all - maybe it's taking the time to set yourself up for a stellar new year.
Success in business isn't just about matching what everyone else is doing. It's about making choices that serve your business model, your energy levels, and yes, your life outside of work.
Whether you decide to participate in Black Friday or sit this one out, make sure your choice aligns with your bigger vision. After all, the best business decisions are the ones that keep you excited to show up for your clients long after the holiday decorations come down.
Remember: You're building a sustainable business, not just chasing a one-day sales record. Let that guide your holiday season strategy.