NOVEMBER CHALLENGE: BOSS LADY EDITION

We have finally reached the end the of the year. And as 2019 makes its exit, 2020 begins to show its pretty little head. This period, we must reflect on what 2019 was for us. For those who started their businesses or passions this year, congratulations! You are now on the other side of fear my friends. You slayed them goals. There is so much more in store for you this 2020.

As we all know December is the festive season. So as much as we want to get stuff done, but family and friends will take over that time. And there is nothing wrong with that because it is a time for fun with loved ones and creating memories. But then January arrives and you have not prepared for it. You have no clients, no business, no money. It's like you are starting all over again. Well fear not! Your girl is here with a NOVEMBER CHALLENGE for you all. This is for you to maximize the month of November by planning you way out of 2019 and into 2020. It will help you to use November as a time to get your house in order. Let’s plan ahead and come up with contingencies and avoid suffering from January disease. Oh Lord, January disease is the worst. January is the month of no money. Everyone spent their money in December and are struggling to make ends meet until the next salary comes up. For entrepreneurs this means no business, no clients, no money. But today I declare that this January you will not be caught unaware because the November Challenge will prepare you and make sure everything runs smoothly during the beginning of the year while others are scrambling to get their lives back on track. So, let’s get to it.

1. GET THAT MONEY, HONEY

This month we going into hyper mode! Let’s push our sales in November. Talk to your usual customers and introduce them to some new products. If you provide good quality goods or services, your customers won’t be able to resist something new you may have on your shelves. Get new customers through networking. Attend some business events and push your brand. Make use of Facebook and WhatsApp business groups to post your goods or services. We are entrepreneurs on steroids during this month. Do not leave a rock unturned. Rent a stall at a flea market if you can. The idea is to not only push for sales, but to also push your brand. Have everyone talking about what you are offering. This will help to maximize your profits and create a financial shelter for you for the dark days.

2. LET’S DO SOME ACCOUNTING

Like I said before, its time to get your house in order. And this case I mean your financials. What financial structure do you have in place to keep track of your sales and expenses? Because the shoe box method (keeping receipts and sticky notes in a shoe box) will just not cut it. You need a solid method to run your business smoothly and keep track of how much money you are making and spending. You can simply use Excel spreadsheet or download an app to help you. So, how much money did you make? How much did you spend? Did you experience any unexpected costs? If you cannot answer those questions easily then you definitely need to work on this.

3. DECEMBER SALE SEASON

December is a month of impulse buying. Everyone feels the need to spoil themselves or a loved on. So take advantage of the season and have a sale. Put a discount on your old stock that has been sitting for months and make some money to buy new stock in the new year. Make use of your social media and run the sale with your followers and customers. For service providers you can organize a small event that can help showcase the services you offer. For example, if you are an event planner, plan a great party in December and put your brand name on it. This will show people your skills. Do not miss out on an opportunity to push your brand this festive season

4. THINKING CAPS ON

Just because January is hard times, it does not mean you cannot make money. Because people are focusing on needs and not wants, it means you now have to find a creative way to provide them with those needs. Time to put on our thinking caps on. If you are into catering, you can provide parents with easy snacks that they can pack for their children’s lunch. January may not be a time for parties, but it is a time for meetings. So call up some companies and convince them to hire you as a caterer for their meetings. The same kind of creativity works with whatever product or service you are providing. Use this month to come up with clever tactics to get some business, not only in January, but every month of the year.

5. TIME FOR A FACE-LIFT

We are tired of seeing the same picture, same tagline on your social media platforms and your website. Time to change it up! Give your platforms a well needed revamp to attract new people in 2020. Launch a new product or service in the new year. Do something to gain some new attention. We live in an ever-changing world and your boring old look will keep at the back of the line. Use the money you made this year and invest in a professional who can give your brand the boost it needs.

6. THE POWER OF BUSINESS CARDS...

You know how friends and family always ask, “So what have you been up to?” and your modest self says “Oh nothing much.”? Well this is the time to advertise your business. Change it up with “I’m glad you asked….” And tell them about what you are doing. Don’t bore people at parties by talking about your business for hours. Always have a two-minute elevator pitch ready that will showcase your business and your passion. Word of mouth is a powerful tool. And what is even better is a visual aid. Always have business cards or fliers with you. People say business cards are out of fashion now and I disagree. They are still an important part of networking. You may not have time to exchange numbers and Instagram handles. But it takes a second to hand over your card with all your information. You never know what opportunities may come with that. There are many times I have referred someone’s business to a friend or colleague because they gave me their business card and kept in a drawer or one of my hand bags.

When you go to that Christmas party this year, take some samples of your products with you. This is to give people a taste or they have. This will help you in the long run

So there it is. Six helpful tools to get you to victory. Don’t sleep on this month ladies! Let’s optimize this opportunity. Failing to plan is planning to fail. Cliché, I admit, but it’s true. So let's get it! Let's 2019 strong.