Staten Island, N.Y-based Relevant Public Relations shares advice for growing profits

NEW YORK – With Thanksgiving 2015 less than a month away, major retailers are focusing their immediate ambitions on Black Friday (Nov. 27) and Cyber Monday (Nov. 30).

Unable to compete with the marketing budgets of industry giants, however, many smaller enterprises are gearing up for a bit of consumer recognition on Small Business Saturday (Nov. 28).

A vacation can help to refresh your entrepreneurial spirit, and that’s good for business.

As with businesses large or small, even a record-breaking start to the holiday-shopping season will not quell the threat of a downturn before the season ends (think adverse weather conditions or other sales-hindering impediments).

In order to help you avoid undue stress while working through the holiday season and facing the challenges of a new business year, Relevant Public Relations offers the following five tips for small businesses, including professional practices, seeking to grow their profits through the end of 2015 and throughout 2016:

1) Focus on Customer Service

Don’t let an uptick in sales distract you. Even during the busiest times, customers need to be treated with the utmost attention and devotion. Always deliver what you promise, return phone calls promptly and respond quickly to emails.

2) Don’t Stop Marketing Your Business or Professional Practice

Brand building never rests. Whether you are running a business during the busiest retail time of the year, or are seamlessly operating a professional practice throughout the year, regularly remind both established and potential customers of your ongoing availability and reliability.

3) Consider Hiring A Brand-Building Expert

An experienced publicist and marketing consultant can save you time and money by planning, coordinating and implementing your company’s public relations, marketing and advertising efforts. This can have a positive effect upon the growth of your business in the coming year.

4) Update Your Business Plan And Budget For 2016

It’s difficult, if not impossible, to set realistic goals if you don’t have a definitive plan. You may need to pay a financial professional to guide you, or opt for free counseling provided by an SBA-affiliated organization such as a local branch of SCORE or the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

5) Go On Vacation

Take a good look at the coming year and plan to get away. This is tough for many business people to do, but should not be overlooked. From a health perspective, we all need a bit of rest and recreation. A vacation can help to refresh and refuel your entrepreneurial spirit, and that’s good for business.