Empowering Entrepreneurs: Holiday Strategies and Sustainable Success
As the festive season approaches, business owners find themselves in a whirlwind of celebration and chaos. It’s a critical time for strategic planning and creativity to overcome the seasonal rush and seize the opportunities it presents. To assist small enterprises during this active time, insights have been compiled from Ebony Janelle, Corporate Sustainability and ESG Manager at Empower by GoDaddy, along with actionable advice from Empower by GoDaddy alumni – Bas Rouge Farm & Forge, Dragonfly Ink Designs, Four-M, Harp Vision, and WhitePaws RunMitts. These pieces of advice are designed to offer direction and motivation to business owners at different points in their entrepreneurial path.
Empower by GoDaddy is an international initiative focused on social impact, providing entrepreneurs in marginalized communities with education, tools, and resources to enhance their business achievements.
Ebony Janelle, who serves as the Corporate Sustainability and ESG Manager, draws her dedication to small businesses from the personal loss of her family’s restaurant, which closed due to insufficient resources and funding. In her role at Empower by GoDaddy, she commits to aiding local communities as an expert in inclusive entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs have the chance to connect with their clientele during various important cultural holidays throughout the year. Here are some of Ebony’s recommendations for entrepreneurs:
Empower by GoDaddy is an international initiative focused on social impact, providing entrepreneurs in marginalized communities with education, tools, and resources to enhance their business achievements.
Ebony Janelle, who serves as the Corporate Sustainability and ESG Manager, draws her dedication to small businesses from the personal loss of her family’s restaurant, which closed due to insufficient resources and funding. In her role at Empower by GoDaddy, she commits to aiding local communities as an expert in inclusive entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs have the chance to connect with their clientele during various important cultural holidays throughout the year. Here are some of Ebony’s recommendations for entrepreneurs:
- Leverage Cutting-Edge AI Technology: While establishing a business is a gradual process, business owners can expedite their development by employing AI technology for generating content, boosting productivity, and assisting with customer service and marketing tasks.
- Venture Into Emerging Social Media Channels, Such as TikTok: Ebony emphasizes the importance of social media as a continuation of digital marketing initiatives. With TikTok’s growing influence, it’s crucial for entrepreneurs to devise a strategy that resonates with their brand, target audience, and prevailing trends.
- Implement Email Marketing Strategies: Conducting email marketing campaigns during the holiday season can prove to be very effective. Ebony advises to plan in advance, initiate re-engagement campaigns, and use promotional codes and limited-time offers to enhance customer interaction.
Ivonne Vazquez, co-founder of Bas Rouge Farm & Forge, operates a multifaceted small farm in Orono, Maine, alongside her husband, Glenn Roberts. Their commitment to sustainable living and land stewardship has evolved from a simple homestead to a combination of businesses including a Native Plants Nursery, Permaculture Design Consulting, and a Blacksmith Forge. Here are their suggestions for fellow entrepreneurs:
- Gift Certificates as a Sales Strategy: During the holiday season, when plant sales are not feasible, Bas Rouge Farm & Forge offers gift certificates, allowing customers to purchase plants in the forthcoming growing season.
- Efficiency Through Multipurpose Tools: Utilizing versatile tools that streamline operations across various aspects of the business can conserve time and resources. Ivonne has effectively used GoDaddy’s tools, such as the social media calendar, to enhance her posting efficiency.
- Fostering Community Connections: Ivonne advocates for building relationships with a supportive network and participating in local initiatives. Beyond selling products, Bas Rouge Farm & Forge provides educational workshops and speaks to groups about native plants and environmental conservation.
Kelly Howell, the creative force behind Dragonfly Ink Designs, has been immersed in artistry from a young age. With a graphic design degree from Oklahoma State University-IT, she has diversified her talents into bespoke cowboy boot creation, leathercraft, and mural art. Kelly also conducts leather stamping and painting workshops for all ages. She shares the following advice for entrepreneurs:
- The Power of Networking: Kelly attributes much of her business’s success to networking. She encourages entrepreneurs to get involved in community events, collaborate with peers, and utilize word-of-mouth referrals to expand their business.
- Clarifying Brand Narrative and Audience: Kelly emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s brand narrative and target demographic, a perspective she developed through Empower by GoDaddy. She advises entrepreneurs to dedicate time to defining their brand story and pinpointing their intended market.
- Commitment to Ongoing Education and Flexibility: The entrepreneurial journey is one of perpetual learning and adaptation. Kelly suggests staying receptive to new technologies, continually educating oneself about innovative tools, and adjusting business strategies to remain competitive in a dynamic marketplace.
Ryan Mills, the visionary behind Four-M in San Diego, has established a comprehensive multimedia consulting firm that serves as a complete solution for content creation, management, and marketing. Ryan divulges his strategies for prosperity:
- Strategic Planning: Utilize quieter periods to strategize and resolve any pending issues before devising a plan for the upcoming year. Analyze annual reports and metrics to assess your yearly performance and establish new objectives and benchmarks.
- Customer Insight: The holiday frenzy affects both business owners and consumers. Anticipate your customers’ needs in advance to become their go-to resource for solutions.
- Balance and Rest: It’s common for entrepreneurs to be constantly active, often neglecting downtime. Emphasizing a balanced work-life dynamic is crucial, so ensure to allocate time for relaxation during the festive season.
April and Tyron Harper, the duo behind Harp Vision, embarked on their venture to offer natural, premium wellness and beauty products that alleviate discomfort and enhance life quality. They share the insights that drive their business:
- Core Values and Purpose: Entrepreneurs should find a mission that transcends monetary gain. Rooting your business in strong values can sustain your enthusiasm through the demanding holiday period.
- Digital Proficiency: The Harpers credit Empower by GoDaddy for aiding them in harnessing digital tools like GoDaddy Studio to elevate their marketing and branding. Business owners should seek out and integrate digital platforms to expand their online footprint and audience reach.
- Authentic Connections: For April and Tyron, their enterprise transcends mere product offerings; it’s about forging genuine relationships with customers, comprehending their needs, and nurturing a community centered on their brand.
Susan Clayton, the innovator of WhitePaws RunMitts and a running coach for Back on My Feet, couldn’t locate suitable mittens or gloves for cold-weather running, leading her to create thumbless, convertible RunMitts with pockets for hand warmers. Susan offers this advice:
- Measured Effort: Avoid overexerting yourself at the start of the holiday season to maintain energy for the new year. Proper planning can help sustain your business’s momentum.
- Teamwork: Having a supportive team can make a significant difference, providing assistance with various tasks such as social media management, order fulfillment, and market research for sales opportunities.
- Self-Belief: Faced with a challenging opportunity to stock RunMitts in over 80 REI stores amidst supply chain hurdles and financial constraints, Susan’s self-belief and advocacy secured the necessary manufacturing funds, propelling her business forward.
The holiday season presents a mix of hurdles and prospects for business owners. However, with strategic marketing, embracing technology, and focusing on community and ecological responsibility, small enterprises can successfully manage the seasonal surge.
According to GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research, each microbusiness entrepreneur generates approximately seven new jobs at the county level. This festive period, let’s acknowledge not only the sales but also the significant impact that small businesses have on community welfare and prosperity.
Support small businesses and celebrate their contribution to societal well-being this holiday season.
According to GoDaddy’s Venture Forward research, each microbusiness entrepreneur generates approximately seven new jobs at the county level. This festive period, let’s acknowledge not only the sales but also the significant impact that small businesses have on community welfare and prosperity.
Support small businesses and celebrate their contribution to societal well-being this holiday season.
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