It’s two weeks before Christmas—how did that even happen? I feel like it has snuck up on me this year. You may have nothing in place for boosting sales, but there are still possibilities…read on…

Let’s start with ideas for those wanting to earn a few more greenbacks. There’s still time to launch a yuletide biz, believe it or not. I know, I know. Christmas is just two weeks away…but there are reasons to start now and still be ready for Christmas 2023. Why? Because who doesn’t love to work in a festive atmosphere? And who doesn’t like to work for just a couple months out of the year? And who doesn’t love supplemental income? I think that describes just about every entrepreneur who belongs to the Chamber. So even if you think it’s too late to earn much this year, think in terms of spring boarding into another season. My top two picks included ideas that could actually span more months than jus December:

• Personalized shopping—Those late shoppers might feel a huge rush of satisfaction if their list was done by August…and who doesn’t love spending OPM? (Other People’s Money)

• Event planning—Begin lining up companies who want someone else to plan their Christmas event, and you may be surprised at the elements which can be reused. There’s a of room here for creativity.

For those who want to explore a last minute and more self-contained option, don’t despair. I found several really great ideas from Seed Formations and they aren’t hard to put into place:

1.      Invite a local baker to set up her wares in your shop. Who doesn’t love Christmas cookies?

2.      Set up a table and ask a local artist to bring cards for shoppers to purchase. Have stamps on hand and boom! Your social media will explode with the idea of getting the cards done while shopping!

3.      As the holiday draws closer, Christmas parties abound. Bring in someone to apply make up and provide updos. If you have a giftwrapping table, shoppers can have gifts wrapped while getting ready for the shindig.

The holiday season is a hard one for those of us who work independently. Schedules get squeezed with family demands. Dollars run short. Taxes loom on the horizon. Relief seems far out of sight. But realize you are not alone. We are comprised of some large corporations, but more than 400 other small business owners share your same concerns. Reach out and enjoy a coffee date with someone else within the Chamber. Two heads are always better than one. You may find comfort. You may find ideas for spreading a little more Christmas cheer. You may lighten someone else’s load. What you will find for sure is a friend.