It’s officially that time of year where you have to keep looking at the calendar because it’s so hard to believe how quickly time is going or as we like to say—it’s Blurvember. The holidays have a way of sneaking up on even the most prepared businesses. One minute you’re stocking fall candles and the next you’re wondering where the extra rolls of gift wrap went. This is the moment to tighten things up so you can enjoy the revenue boost without feeling like you’re sprinting through December. Here are five simple, high-impact updates your business can make right now (some so quick you can implement them between customers) to get ahead of the holiday rush. 1. Update Your Hours and Online Info Everywhere Holiday shoppers are comparing hours, checking maps, and trying to squeeze errands between work, school pickups, and holiday events. If your hours aren’t accurate across Google, Yelp, Facebook, your website, and your chamber listing, you risk losing customers before they even leave the house. Do a quick search for your business as if you were a customer. Is your phone number right? Are your photos current? Does your holiday schedule show up clearly? Most people rely on Google’s first page, so correcting those listings now is one of the easiest wins you can score. 2. Refresh Your Signage and Displays Your storefront or lobby is a strong salesperson this time of year. When signage feels fresh and intentional, customers are more likely to stop, browse, and buy. That’s why so many storefront businesses go straight from Halloween to Christmas. Both holidays are visually appealing. In fact, people will enter your business just because you have a cool window. (Poor Thanksgiving, the middle child of holidays.) You don’t have to overhaul your entire look. A few simple updates can make a strong impression: Swap weathered signs for clean, readable replacements (unless antique is your vibe) Add one seasonal visual element that feels inviting rather than overwhelming Use clear markers for gift ideas or bestsellers Make sure curbside or pickup instructions are posted where customers can see them Even small touches create a sense of readiness that customers appreciate during a busy season. 3. Prep Your Team for Upselling Without Feeling Salesy Your staff can be your holiday heroes. A little training now can lead to bigger revenue and happier customers later. Upselling doesn’t have to feel pushy. It’s simply offering helpful suggestions that customers genuinely appreciate. Consider coaching your team on moments where a gentle recommendation is natural. Think gift wrap, add-on accessories, seasonal specials, or limited-time treats. When employees feel confident, customers feel guided. And both walk away happy. 4. Offer Gift Cards, Gift Bundles, or Quick-Grab Options The closer we get to December, the more people search for simple solutions. They’re panicked. They’re behind the eight ball (or snowball, in this case), and they just want the perfect gift that doesn’t look rushed. Gift cards are a lifesaver for anyone in a time crunch, and they’re one of the highest ROI products you can offer. If you don’t have them, this is the year to add them. Be sure to check out our online egiftcard program! You can also create: Small themed gift bundles Stocking stuffer displays Grab-and-go treats or purchase add-ons Digital gift cards for last-minute shoppers Anything that shortens decision-making for your customers will boost sales when traffic hits its peak. 5. Streamline Curbside or Online Ordering Before Things Get Busy Convenience is key during the holidays. If your online ordering, reservation system, or curbside pickup process feels a little clunky today, it will feel downright stressful on December 15. Now is the perfect time to: Run a test order Check that links work Update product descriptions Confirm your inventory tracking is accurate Make pickup instructions extremely clear Even a small digital tune-up can make the difference between a smooth holiday season and a frantic one. Bonus: Create One Holiday Highlight That Sets You Apart A lot of businesses do holiday promotions. Far fewer do something memorable. Consider spotlighting one special element this season to help you stand out. It could be a signature drink, a limited-time dish, a themed shopping night, a charity tie-in, or a mini experience customers can’t get anywhere else. Small moments of delight build loyalty. And the holidays are the perfect time to create them. Your Chamber is Here to Help You don’t have to tackle holiday readiness on your own. We’re participating in Small Business Season this year. We have a number of ways we’re supporting businesses across the community, and we want to help shine a spotlight on what you’re planning. Tell us what you’re working on, and we’ll help get the word out. Share your holiday hours, promotions, themed events, or special offerings and we’ll amplify them through our channels so more customers know exactly where to shop, dine, and celebrate. Let’s make this your smoothest and strongest holiday season yet.  Read More: Holiday Gift Card Strategies for Small Businesses Simplify Seasonal Staffing for Small Business Season

You’ve heard the old saying “You never get a second chance at a first impression.” For businesses, that isn’t just a cliché, it’s reality. Customers size up a business long before they make a purchase and often before anyone on your team even says hello. Those first 10 seconds set expectations, shape decisions, and influence how people feel about doing business with you. No matter what industry you’re in, your business is constantly sending signals about what customers can expect. The good news is that with a few intentional tweaks, you can make those signals work in your favor. Your Curb Appeal No matter what your product or service is, customers start forming an opinion the moment they approach your building. They’re asking themselves an unspoken question: Does this place look like it knows what it’s doing? Curb appeal can also speak to how professional your business comes across and how successful. People will decide whether your business is for them or not by looks alone (that goes for your website too). A few simple checks go a long way: Are your signs clean and readable from the street? Is your entry area clutter-free and welcoming? Do your posted hours match your online hours? Can customers tell which door to use or where to park? If someone has to guess how to enter or what to expect, tension rises before they step inside. A polished exterior tells customers they’re in good hands. The Digital First Impression Long before customers show up in person, many have already “visited” you online. Your website, Google Business profile, and social media pages create the first impression for a large portion of your audience. They’re looking for clarity, accuracy, and ease (even if they’re not conscious of it). A strong digital first impression includes: Updated hours and services Clear photos that reflect what customers will see in person A short, friendly description of what you do in real language that your audience uses Quick access to booking, ordering, or calling The kind of design that resonates with who your audience is (or wants to be) When your online footprint is clean, current, and helpful, customers show up confident rather than confused. The Welcome This one seems painfully obvious, but we’ve all walked into a business where the employee is on an obviously personal call or simply doesn’t recognize our existence. How did that feel? Doesn’t make you interested in buying, that’s for sure. Once a customer walks through the door, the clock starts again. Those opening seconds inside your space shape how long they’ll stay and how much they’ll trust you. No matter your industry, these moments matter. One of the fastest ways to earn trust is through a genuine welcome. A simple smile or greeting sets the tone for the visit. Customers want to feel seen and valued, not like an interruption or inconvenience. Encourage your team to greet customers in whatever way feels natural to your brand. It doesn’t need to be formal or robotic. Even a quick “Hi there, we’ll be right with you” works wonders. When customers feel acknowledged early, they’re more patient, more open to suggestions, and more comfortable asking questions. Consider: Are customers greeted promptly or at least acknowledged with eye contact (and an “I’ll be right with you,” if you’re in the middle of something)? Does the space feel organized and intentional? Can customers easily understand where to go or what to do next? Are staff members engaged or absorbed in side conversations? You don’t need to rush over and follow them around your business. You simply need to make people feel acknowledged and appreciated when they come in. The Sensory Experience First impressions aren’t just visual. Customers respond to the full environment, even when they can’t articulate why something feels “off.” Pay attention to: Lighting that feels warm rather than dim or harsh. Music that fits your brand and isn’t too loud. Temperature that’s comfortable for customers, not just employees. Clean, pleasant scents or, more importantly, no unpleasant ones but keep them subtle, too much may drive people away. Small adjustments make customers feel at ease, which makes them more likely to stay longer and return more often. Why First Impressions Shape Customer Loyalty First impressions influence today’s visit AND shape whether customers will come back, how likely they are to recommend you, and how much they trust your business. A positive experience in the first ten seconds: Lowers customer stress Builds confidence Increases perceived value Reduces complaints Boosts loyalty and spending And the best part is that improving first impressions doesn’t usually require a big budget. It requires awareness and consistency. A Simple First Impression Checklist Here’s an easy way to evaluate your business: Walk up to your location from the customer’s point of view Step inside and pause for five seconds Look around with fresh eyes Note anything that feels confusing, cluttered, or outdated Ask a friend or fellow business owner to do the same Make quick fixes where possible and plan larger improvements over time These small shifts add up quickly to create a strong competitive advantage. Read More: Are You Accidentally Repelling Perfect Clients? (Here's How to Fix It) Hospitality is the Hidden Edge: Why Emotional Connection Drives Customer Loyalty The Referral Engine: How to get People Talking About Your Business --------------------- Christina Metcalf is a ghostwriter and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle , rediscovering the magic within. _______________________________________ Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinagsmith