Summer Holidays – An SME Survival Guide

Your customers are in the holiday spirit, so it’s time to add a splash of summer to your marketing strategy:

• Summer-Themed Campaigns: Play into the beachy holiday vibe with campaigns that feature sun, sand, and family fun. From festive promos to themed emails, use imagery and messaging that reflects an Aussie Christmas.
• Outdoor Promotions: If you have a physical storefront, why not bring some of your products or services outside? Pop-ups, outdoor events, or even sidewalk sales can create a fun shopping experience and boost foot traffic.
• Social media and Email Marketing: Schedule holiday email blasts and social media posts with a sunny touch. Highlight local travel tips, summer events, or discounts that cater to customers planning their holidays.

The holidays can mean more time off, and keeping your team balanced and happy is essential. Here’s how to manage your workforce for a stress-free season:

• Staff Rotations and Leave Management: Many people take longer breaks over the summer, so make sure you’re balancing leave requests with peak demand. Hiring temporary staff can be a way to keep operations steady.
• Flexible Work Options: Consider offering flexible hours to help staff enjoy the summer season, whether that means early finishes on Fridays or remote work options. Even small adjustments can improve morale and make your workplace a happier one during the holiday rush.
• Safety in the Sun: For businesses with outdoor roles, remind staff about sun protection and hydration. Simple initiatives like providing sunscreen or shaded work areas can keep your team safe and comfortable.

Keeping operations running smoothly is key to delivering great service during the holidays.

• Holiday Hours and Customer Notices: If you’re adjusting hours over the holiday season, let customers and suppliers know early. Make sure these details are clear on your website, social media, and in-store.
• Customer Service Preparedness: The holidays often bring higher customer expectations. If you anticipate a spike in inquiries, make sure your customer support team has the resources to manage it effectively.

Business travel remains important during the holidays, especially if you’re wrapping up end-of-year meetings or making last-minute supplier visits. With peak travel times on the horizon, here are some tips to keep your travel plans smooth:

• Book Early to Avoid High Costs: As holiday flights and accommodations fill up quickly, consider securing bookings in advance for essential business travel. This can help you avoid inflated prices and limited options.
• Seasonal Travel Flexibility: The holiday season often brings slower business periods, so you may want to adjust policies to let employees blend business travel with personal holiday plans if appropriate.
• Partner with a Travel Specialist: If coordinating holiday travel is overwhelming, our team at Flight Centre Business Travel (FCBT) is here to help. From last-minute bookings to travel cost-saving strategies, we’ve got you covered so you can focus on the season, not the logistics.

The holidays are a great time to prepare for the year ahead. Here’s how to wrap up 2024 on a high note and step confidently into 2025:

• Set Goals for the Coming Year: Reflect on 2024’s wins and lessons learned. Set goals that build on this momentum and give your team a sense of purpose when they return.
• Strengthen Client and Supplier Relationships: A simple holiday greeting or thank-you card can make a big difference. This is a great way to reinforce important partnerships and show gratitude.
• Prepare for a Busy January: January often comes around quickly, so set up as much as possible now. Update schedules and finalise any necessary operational adjustments to kick off 2025 smoothly.