The holidays can be a stressful time for the small business owner.  Trying to balance family life and running a successful business can be difficult, add the pressure of the holidays and those difficulties amplify.  With so many people requiring your time, it’s important that you take a strategic approach as to not over exert yourself.  You’re bound to have time off requests from employees, scheduling conflicts and personal matters that consume your mind.  Then there’s the matter of using the holidays as a time to increase revenue.  Some businesses rely heavily on the holiday season to increase profits.  This can be the time of year to bring your company back into the “black”.  While it is important to maximize your income during this time, it’s equally imperative to take time for yourself and relax.  However, that is not always possible.  Here we’ve put together some ways you can help reduce your holiday stress while remaining productive.

Advanced Planning

Holiday preparedness is perhaps the best way to reduce your stress levels.  If you’re planning on having holiday parties at your business these should be planned out well ahead of time.  Requesting employees to submit any time off requests as early as possible will help with any scheduling or staffing issues that may come up.  If you’re planning events or promotions, all of the orders and blueprints for these occasions should be done in advance.  Using slow summer months to organize your holiday plan will save you time, money and frustration during what should be a joyous time.

Keep Things Simple

Simplifying your holidays is not always possible, but it can be done.  Try not to go overboard when developing your personal and business schedule.  Asking some trusted team members to help with promotions and brainstorming ideas will take some of the pressure off.  The same goes with family activities.  While family should be a priority, chances are they realize owning a business can take up a significant amount of time.  Find ways to simplify your holiday plans as to not alienate your love ones while still keeping a firm handle on your business.

Manage Expectations

Be up front with family and team members about the amount of time you’ll have to spend with them.  If you let them know when you’ll be around and for how long, it will help you to feel less guilty when you need to take time away for one or the other.  Most people value their time with loved ones during the holidays.  It’s important to recognize your staff members do too.  Letting them know what is going to be expected of them during the holidays will help them be prepared and reduce any backlash.

Learn To Say No

Saying no can be difficult for some people, especially around the holidays.  As the saying goes, you can’t please everybody.  If you spread yourself too thin you risk making mistakes, causing friction with friends and family and even disrupting your business.  Learning to say no and balancing your time will make the time you spend on each more valuable.

Be Generous

Generosity is a focal point of almost any holiday season.  Giving back to those who have supported you emotionally and financially can give you a sense of calm.  Finding ways to make life more fulfilling and easier for family and employees can have an effect on your own state of mind as well.  Giving out holiday bonuses and thank you cards to your team can help to develop a cohesive team and even put a smile on your own face.

Have Fun

The holidays are time for fun and good cheer.  It’s important that you don’t forget about that.  Whether it be at work or at home, take time to enjoy the season.  Get involved with office parties and take some time to bond and have fun with your employees.  This will help you to better enjoy the time you have with your family as well.

Be Prepared For Anything

When it comes to the holidays, finances can take center stage.  In order to enjoy this time of year, financial stability is key. Quikstone Capital Solutions offers fast funding for the holidays. A merchant cash advance can help you improve your business and take some of the stress out of what should be a time for celebration.