Top Management Story

Writen by Adrian Pepper

I coach many business people who struggle with stress management in December and January that is entirely avoidable.

One of my more effective clients uses this action plan to ensure he is ready for the seasonal break and can enjoy his Christmas and New Year properly.

Plan ahead

Predict the demand levels for this season from what happened last year. Hire temporary staff to meet your seasonal demand without adding to your long-term costs.

Plan your cash flow through the holiday period and organise stand-by funding to boost your working capital if your sales exceed your expectations.

Send greetings cards to your best customers, remind them what you offer, and tell them your closure times. Ask your suppliers which days they close and check how this impacts the service you offer your own customers.

Find out from your freight and distribution supplier when the cut-off dates are for the last post.

Deliver your promises

Check your stock levels, noting which of your stock is seasonal and avoid over-stocking - in January their value falls to nil.

Avoid over-trading and re-schedule contracts that you cannot meet to protect your business reputation. Prioritise regular customers because they provide loyal custom throughout the year.

Pre-book a reliable company to deliver your customers' goods because Christmas gifts arriving on Boxing Day will damage your reputation and spoil your customers' enjoyment.

Close down cleanly

Clear your paperwork before you break, ensure prompt bill payment during the holiday period and send off your own invoices too.

Check your security procedures and key holders before you close down. Update your answer machine regularly. (How burglars love automated email or phone responses that say "Everyone's away, please come round when you like".

And relax

Organise a staff party to show you value their hard work, boost staff morale, reward loyalty and encourage team spirit.

Make time to relax and recover before the New Year.

In your quiet times, think how this year has treated you, what you want to change and plan large tasks in small steps.

Plan your own training and personal development for January or February if you expect a marketing lull at that time.