Missouri Small Business and Technology Development Centers Blog

The holidays seem to come around more quickly each year, particularly for those who own retail and service firms that count on this special season for a large portion of their annual sales.

To ensure your business gets noticed among the flurry of snow and shoppers, we’ve compiled the following list of tips that may prove useful to you as you face the busy holiday season.

• The holidays are a season of gratitude. Don’t forget that when interacting with your customers. Yes, you want to make sales, but the holidays are a good time to acknowledge their patronage throughout the rest of the year with a simple thank-you card or email message. No matter high-tech we get, we can’t forget to be high-touch as well.

• If you send a card, have it signed personally by members of your staff. Somehow, receiving a card mechanically stamped with “Holiday Greetings from the ABC Shop” doesn’t create that warm holiday feeling you’re seeking. Start early in the year, and have employees sign the greetings when they have some spare time. (more…)

The other day I happened upon some powerful essays written by young people whose parents are military veterans – and entrepreneurs. I’d like to share some of what they wrote with you:

“From being a former Marine and now being in the Army National Guard, my dad has developed many skills”that have helped him better himself and his business. He has been taught to treat people with dignity and respect. My dad also motivates people. As with any job, there needs to be self-motivation, and my dad certainly has it. It is hard starting up a business, but he is motivated to make it successful. You will never see a day when my dad wants to quit what he is doing. He loves what he does. He enjoys serving his country and his community.”

“Since his unit is a volunteer group, and everyone has to pay for everything themselves, like uniforms and stuff, my dad will use his company to sponsor new recruits with uniforms and activity expenses when someone needs help. He encourages his employees to join the Guard, and if they participate regularly, he will pay them if they miss work for missions or exercises. He also gives them the day off with pay on Veterans Day”I am so proud of my dad”"

And justifiably so. (more…)