Tip of the Day: Turn Post-Holiday Blahs into Big Business

The holidays are a whirlwind for most people, especially for small-business owners who have to balance the demands of their personal lives and the needs of their businesses. So when the tinsel comes down and the new year makes its first appearance, the slower pace can cause you to trip over your own feet unless you make the most of the downtime.

"With the excitement of the holidays behind and long winter days ahead, it can be easy for small businesses to get in a funk when January comes around. But, January doesn’t have to mean winter blues when you have a shift in attitude," said Susan Tucker, owner of Get Susan Marketing.

Tucker recommends small-business owners make the most of the month with a few tactics that will turn "blah" into "hurrah!"

• Reconnect with employees and customers alike
• Plan contests
• Schedule employee retreats
• Develop partnerships
• Tap into your creativity

"By cultivating relationships year round, the slumps will feel less ‘slumpy’ and your employees and customers will feel more committed to your brand," Tucker said.