Black Friday, Small Biz Sat, Cyber Monday & Now… Giving Tuesday!

[massageblog]

(Cherie Sohnen-Moe and I were both on the same page, and she beat me to posting on this topic, so, since I had written it, I am submitting it here to supplement her post from 11/15/12.)
Yes, holidays are here (again) and “Black Fridayâ€, “Small Business Saturday†and “Cyber Monday†are upon us. These 3 ‘events’ have been around for a while, and now this year, there is a new one to add to our little list of sales-related ‘events’ (if you will) all geared to generate interest and sales for our therapy businesses and practices. These events can be a day for you to jump-start your holiday sales, but even if you don’t tie in to them, it is best for you to be aware of them,as your clients might ask you if you have any specials for them.
Here is a RunDown of These 4 Events. I Want You To Be Aware of Them & For You to Decide if You Want to Participate.
“Black Fridayâ€:
“Black Friday†is a term used in business to refer to one of the busiest shopping days of the year:* the day after Thanksgiving. This year it is November 23rd, and some stores like Walmart and Target just announced they will actually start their Black friday the night of Thanksgiving… say it isn’t so!
There are a ton of really cool promotions and sales strategies you can implement into your business, so I want you to think about what YOU will do on/for that day. (I suggest you actually include the whole weekend for your Black Friday sales blitz)
“Small Business Saturdayâ€:
I also want you to know about a program called Small Business Saturday for the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. It was started a few years ago by American Express but is available to all of us as small businesses.
Here is a link for you to register with them as they are offering great resources on how to attract business at this time of year.
http://smallbusinesssaturday.com
“Cyber Mondayâ€:
The Monday after the Thanksgiving weekend is the busiest day for ONLINE shopping, so it was dubbed cyber Monday. It is when people are back to work after a long weekend and they do their online shopping.
Be sure you have your gift certificates available to purchase online through your website and merchant processing, or at the least- go grab a Paypal.com account so you can accept credit cards via Paypal TONIGHT.
My business has a video available to therapists, encouraging your clients to buy gift certificates for their family and friends. (link to video)
“Giving Tuesdayâ€:
Giving Tuesday is the newest ‘event’ on the block, to round out the others.* It actually looks very worthwhile. This year it lands on Tuesday, November 27th as Giving Tuesday, as the official day to give back. Charities, families, businesses and individuals are coming together to transform the giving season.
Here is a link to show you what our Wellness Center in San Francisco is doing. You can do any offer you want, and it will be good for the world and good to help you get more local or national exposure.
http://givingtuesday.org/partner-detail/diamond-wellness-center/
What ever promotional material you use, be sure* to post on your website or through FaceBook, email or your other online sources!
Have fun with your promotions next week. (And next year, you’ll have a head start on it!)
Let us hear from you – go and Post below what strategies you are going to implement this year to boost your sales so you can inspire us all.