Category: Business Ownership

How to Create Buzz for Your New Small Business

Many clients I meet with are launching new businesses. It is important for them to attract attention and make their presence known in order to gain their first customers.

My husband and I opened our pizza restaurant in a busy shopping center in a small town. Our future customers watched with interest as the 7,000-square-foot addition to the shopping center was constructed and divided into four retail units. They peeked through the windows to watch the progress of the interior and tried to estimate how much longer it would be until our restaurant opened for business.

Despite all this attention, we still wanted to make a big splash, so we invested in a marketing blitz. Here are some of the strategies we used.

Join the Chamber of Commerce

Local Chambers of Commerce provide valuable support and connections for small business owners. We attended Chamber meetings and met many local business owners in the months leading up to our opening.

Chamber members are often very supportive of fellow members, and many of them became regular customers of our restaurant.

Hold a Grand Opening Celebration

We worked with our franchise team and the Chamber of Commerce to plan a grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting event.

We advertised on the local radio station, and the Chamber president, town manager, and a local radio reporter attended the event. The reporter interviewed us, and the interview aired on the radio for several days. We also shared samples of our pepperoni pizza and breadsticks with attendees.

Place Yard Signs Around Town

We purchased inexpensive yard signs and placed them throughout town in the yards of friends and in front of businesses that gave us permission. Yard signs are highly visible to passing drivers and helped increase awareness of our upcoming opening.

Send Out Coupons

Our franchise provided legal-sized coupon sheets that we were required to distribute monthly. About a week before our grand opening, we had thousands of coupon sheets inserted into the local newspaper.

This strategy helped introduce our restaurant to potential customers before we officially opened our doors.

Advertise Locally

Local radio advertising is an affordable way to attract attention from new customers. We began running ads several weeks before our grand opening.

We also placed advertisements in high school basketball programs and local hotel guest information booklets to increase visibility within the community.

Engage the Local Community

We intentionally used local businesses for as much of our build-out as possible, including carpentry, plumbing, and HVAC services. We used a local print shop for our yard signs and employee manuals, purchased office supplies from a nearby stationery store, bought insurance from a local agent, and hired a local accountant to prepare our taxes.

As a result, many of those businesses visited our restaurant when we opened, and many became loyal customers.

We opened our business in 2000—before social media marketing existed in the way it does today. If I were opening a new business now, I would also include these strategies.

Establish an Online Presence Early

Create a website, establish your Google Business profile, and set up your social media platforms before opening day.

I would begin publicizing the business several weeks before the planned opening. Short videos and reels could be used to show the progress of preparing the restaurant, introduce employees, and preview menu items. These types of posts help build anticipation and excitement.

Share News with Friends and Business Contacts

Use email, newsletters, social media, and even traditional mail to announce your new business to friends, family, and professional contacts.

I would include photos of the restaurant, food, and staff, along with links to the website and menu. Coupons and special offers can also help encourage first visits.

Use Content Marketing to Build Interest

YouTube videos and blogs can help educate potential customers about your business, answer frequently asked questions, and share tips or behind-the-scenes content.

A historic building in our town is currently being renovated to resemble its appearance from 50 years ago. The owners are documenting the renovation process on YouTube and sharing stories about the building’s history. Local residents have also shared memories connected to the business. One of those videos has received more than 69,000 views.

This type of storytelling helps people feel emotionally connected to a business before it even opens.

Build Relationships with Complementary Businesses

Partner with businesses that serve the same customer base but do not compete directly with your company.

For example, if you own a lawn care business, you might build referral relationships with power washers, HVAC companies, carpet cleaners, plumbers, or handyman services. All of these businesses serve homeowners and small businesses, making them valuable referral partners.

It is important to promote your business widely in the weeks leading up to your opening. You want excitement and curiosity to build so that when you finally open your doors, customers are eager to walk through them.

What creative ideas have you seen businesses use to promote a grand opening?

Stop Losing Customers: Smart Retention Strategies Every Small Business Needs

If you’ve been in business for more than a short time, you’ve likely gained some regular customers. Whether you offer professional services, skilled labor, food service, retails products, these are the people who choose your business first.

Returning customers are incredibly valuable. They provide steady revenue and often become your best advocates. Developing a thoughtful customer retention plan is one of the smartest things you can do as a small business owner. Here are practically strategies you can put in place right away.

Provide Excellent Customer Service

Great customer service is the foundation of retention, and some principles apply across every industry.

  • Address customers politely and respectfully. Never raise your voice or argue, even when a customer is frustrated.
  • Give them your full attention. Put your phone away and avoid interruptions unless it’s a true emergency.
  • Be honest about what you can deliver. If you can’t meet a deadline or the job isn’t a good fit, say so upfront and offer a helpful referral when possible.
  • Make things right when a customer is unhappy. Whether it means recooking a meal, replacing a product, offering a substitute, or providing a refund, show them you stand behind your work.
  • Personalize the experience. Learn customers’ names and preferences. Make tailored recommendations based on what they’ve purchased or enjoyed in the past.

Maintain Consistent Standards

Regular customers return because they know what to expect. Inconsistent service creates confusion and disappointment.

In our pizza restaurant, we had to train staff to put the same number of pepperonis on every pizza. A customer who receives extra toppings one time doesn’t recognize it as a bonus – they just feel disappointed when the next pizza has the standard amount.

The same principle applies to service levels. When employees “go above and beyond” inconsistently, it can actually hurt expectations. Aim for reliable excellence every single time.

Create a Memorable Customer Experience

Go beyond the transaction and give people a reason to remember their visit.

When I worked my way through college as a waitress, we were trained to greet guests promptly with a glass of water, take orders efficiently, serve with a smile, and treat every customer as if they were always right. Even when they weren’t, our job was to make sure they left completely satisfied.

Apply this mindset to your business:

  • Communicate clearly about timelines, what’s included, and any potential delays.
  • Make ordering and checkout as easy as possible.
  • Keep your website, ordering portal, and systems up to date and user-friendly.

Keep Things Fresh and Interesting

Regular customers appreciate variety. Introduce new products, menu items, services, workshops, or classes on a regular basis. Giving loyal customers something new to look forward to encourages them to come back more often.

Build a Loyalty Program

A well-designed loyalty program rewards customers and makes them feel valued.

  • Offer a free item or discount after a certain number of purchases.
  • Host special sales or events exclusively for loyal customers.
  • Reward referrals with discounts or bonuses.
  • Feature loyal customers in your social media posts or newsletters.
  • Consider appreciation events such as open houses, private sales, or customer appreciation gathering.

Stay Top of Mind

Don’t let customers forget about your between visits.

  • Send friendly appointment reminders for services like hair styling, massage, or consulting. Include a direct link to your scheduling system.
  • Use your client management system to identify customers you haven’t seen in a while and send a warm “We’ve missed you” message with a small incentive.
  • Celebrate customer anniversaries with a special reward, such as a free dessert or product upgrade.

Ask for Feedback

The faster way to fix problems is to know about them early.

  • Make it easy to give feedback at your checkout or through a short survey.
  • After receiving payment, send a thank-you email with a gentle request for a review (rotate platforms so you build presence across multiple sites).
  • Respond promptly and professionally to any dissatisfaction – especially on social media. Thank the customer publicly for bringing the issue to your attention and invite them to continue the conversation privately.

Incorporating these strategies into your regular operations can help you keep your best customers coming back again and again.

In the next blog, I’ll share ideas for a new business to announce its existence to the community.

Have you found other effective ways to keep your customers happy and returning? Feel free to share them in the comments.

How to Pay Your Employees Fairly Without Hurting Your Small Business

As a financial advisor for small business owners, I meet with approximately 300 unique business owners every year. Many are solopreneurs who prefer to stay solo. Others start alone but plan to hire as they grow. And some, like my husband and I did, need to bring on employees before they even open their doors.

When we opened our quick-serve pizza restaurant, we had to hire and train our team first. We paid minimum wage to teenagers seeking their first job, about 10% more to older teens with some experience, and 25-50% above minimum wage to adults with significant prior experience. It was a valuable early lesson in balancing what the business could afford with what it takes to attract good people.

One of the most common goals I hear from small business owners is the desire to create good-paying jobs. That’s a noble aim, and I respect it deeply. The Bible is clear on the importance of paying people fairly and on time. In Luke 10:7, Jesus tells His disciples, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

While Scripture instructs us to pay what is due and to do so promptly, it doesn’t provide specific guidance on determining a worker’s exact worth. That decision often feels challenging-especially when you’re hiring your first employee.

Here are practical, step-by-step guidelines to help you determine a fair and sustainable wage or salary.

Steps to Determine What to Pay an Employee

1. Define the job clearly.

List every task the employee will perform. What skills, education, certifications, or experience are truly required? The greater the requirements, the higher the pay should typically be.

2. Consider the working conditions.

Will the job involve difficult weather, unpleasant tasks, physical demands, or risk of injury? Jobs with tougher conditions usually command higher compensation to attract reliable candidates.

3. Research market rates.

Look at what other companies in your area are paying for similar roles. Competitive pay helps you attract and retain qualified people. You can find good data on sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, or your local Chamber of Commerce.

4. Review industry standards.

Industry reports can show average salaries and what percentage of revenue is typically spent on payroll. Keep in mind that national averages may not fully reflect your local cost of living—wages are often higher in high-cost areas and lower in others.

5. Determine what you can realistically afford.

Calculate how much additional revenue the new employee is expected to generate. Factor this into your budget to ensure the position is financially sustainable before you make an offer.

6. Factor in your local cost of living.

Consider the minimum salary that would allow an employee to maintain a reasonable quality of life in your area. If your industry traditionally pays lower wages, make sure your offer is at least above both federal and state minimum wage requirements.

7. Calculate the total cost of employment.

Look beyond the base wage. Include:

  • Employer portions of Social Security and Medicare
  • Workers’ compensation insurance
  • Health insurance contributions
  • Retirement plan matches
  • Any other benefits

Note that Paid Time Off (PTO) doesn’t usually create direct extra expense unless you need to bring in coverage.

8. Set a salary range and negotiate thoughtfully.

Establish a realistic pay range based on the factors above. Offer higher within that range for candidates who can contribute immediately, and lower for those who will need more training.

Final Thoughts

Taking the time to follow these steps will help you offer wages that are fair, competitive, and sustainable for your business. If you offer is too low, you’ll struggle to attract good candidates. If it’s too high for your business to support long-term, you risk financial strain or having to make difficult changes later.

The goal is to prayerfully find the balance-paying a wage that honors the employee, supports your small business, and allows both you and your team to thrive.

When you get this right, you don’t just fill a position. You invest in a person who can help your business grow while creating meaningful work in your community.

Tools to Help Small Business Owners Track and Organize Business Receipts

As we discussed in the last blog, keeping track of business receipts and invoices can be challenging for small business owners, especially given how busy they are. Fortunately, there are a variety of small business receipt tracking tools available to make organization much easier.

Why Digitize Your Receipts?

It is a good idea to invest in a scanner or a phone scanning app so you can store receipts electronically. Over time, the ink on receipts can fade. Receipts can also become unreadable due to wrinkles or smudges, and they can easily be misplaced. To avoid these issues, scan your receipts soon after each purchase.

Once your receipts are scanned, you need a system to organize them.

I no longer own a pizza restaurant, but I do manage an Airbnb property. For this business, I organize my receipts into digital folders by category. Most of my expenses are set up on auto-pay, which makes tracking much easier. Other bills are emailed to me, allowing me to download them as PDFs and store them electronically. As a result, I have very few paper receipts to manage.

This simple method of scanning and organizing digital files works well for me. However, if I were still running a restaurant, I would likely need a more robust solution. Below are several receipt tracking apps you may want to consider for managing receipts and expenses in your small business.

Shoeboxed

Shoeboxed is both a receipt scanning app and a receipt scanning service. If you have accumulated a large number of paper receipts, you can save time by mailing them to Shoeboxed, where they will be scanned and uploaded for you.

You can scan receipts with your phone or mail them in for processing, and forward emailed receipts directly into the app. It uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to convert receipts into searchable text, letting you search by vendor, date, or expense category. The app automatically organizes receipts based on your preferences and includes mileage tracking along with human data verification for accuracy. It also integrates with many popular accounting systems.

Best for: Small business owners, freelancers, consultants, nonprofits, and anyone managing a high volume of receipts

Considerations:

• Not as strong for full expense tracking compared to accounting platforms

• Pricing increases with the volume of receipts

• Not a complete accounting system

Wave Receipts

Wave Receipts is part of the Wave platform and works alongside Wave Accounting. It allows small business owners to capture receipts and automatically integrate them into their accounting records. It is not a standalone receipt management system.

You can scan receipts using your phone or upload them via email. It integrates seamlessly with Wave’s free accounting software with no limit on the number of receipts you can upload. The tool automatically creates expense transactions from your receipts and matches them with bank transactions to reduce duplication, while cloud storage makes retrieval simple.

Best for: Very small businesses, freelancers, and startups looking for a budget-friendly option

Considerations:

• Limited integration with other accounting systems

• Fewer organizational features compared to more advanced tools

Neat Receipts

Neat Receipts is a simple receipt scanning and management system. It is essentially a modern, cloud-based version of a desktop filing system.

You can capture receipts via email, photo, scan, or upload, and it uses OCR technology with human verification for high accuracy. This creates searchable, organized records and provides a clear audit trail for tax and accounting purposes. It integrates with QuickBooks and other accounting systems, making it easy to keep everything in one organized place.

Best for: Very small businesses with a large number of paper receipts that already use an accounting system

Considerations:

• Primarily a filing system rather than a full accounting solution

• Limited accounting features

• Requires an annual subscription paid upfront

FreshBooks

FreshBooks is a full accounting platform designed for very small businesses. In addition to receipt tracking, it includes invoicing, proposals, time tracking, and bank reconciliation.

The mobile app lets you scan receipts on the go, and it automatically categorizes expenses while allowing you to email receipts directly into the system. It links receipts to bank transactions and combines receipt management, expense tracking, and invoicing in one convenient platform. You can also generate tax reports and profit-and-loss statements, plus it offers access to accounting support.

Best for: Solopreneurs, service-based businesses, and consultants who want an all-in-one system

Considerations:

• May be more than you need if you only want receipt management

• You may pay for features you do not plan to use

Which Receipt Tracking Tool Is Right for You?

All of these tools offer strong options for managing receipts and small business expense management. The right choice depends on your business needs, the volume of receipts you handle, and whether you want a standalone system or a full accounting platform.

Here is a simple guide to help you decide:

Choose Shoeboxed if:

• You have a large volume of paper receipts

• You want audit-ready records with minimal effort

• You already use separate accounting software

Choose Wave Receipts if:

• You want a low-cost, simple solution

• Your finances are straightforward

• You want receipts tied directly to basic bookkeeping

Choose Neat Receipts if:

• You want well-organized records with light accounting support

• You prefer structured, guided workflows

• You already use accounting software and just need better organization

Choose FreshBooks if:

• You run a service-based business

• You invoice clients and track billable expenses

• You want a polished, all-in-one accounting system.

Have you tried any of these systems? If so, I would love to hear about your experience.

5 Simple Tips to Keep Your Business Receipts Organized

Running a small business means keeping track of many financial details, and one of the most important is organizing your receipts and invoices.

Good record keeping not only helps you understand where your money is going, but it also makes tax preparation easier and protects you if your business is ever audited. With a few simple systems, you can organize your business receipts and stay on top of your expenses without adding more stress to your busy schedule.

Serving customers, building relationships, networking, paying bills, sending invoices, and managing employees is the life of a small business owner. With so many moving parts, it’s easy for small details to slip through the cracks. That’s why having a simple system to organize your business expenses and receipts is so important.

My husband and I owned our restaurant in the days before phone apps, cloud storage, and doing many tasks online.  I had to keep track of paper receipts and bills.  My favorite tool was an accordion file. It had a pocket for each month.  When my produce supplier made his twice-a-week delivery, the invoices went into my accordion file. When I paid the window washer, the receipt went into the file. When I paid a bill for the business, I wrote the check number and date paid on the bill and slid it into the file. At the end of each month, I totaled my expenses by category and entered them into a spreadsheet.  At the end of the year, all my receipts were in my accordion file so that I could easily verify my expenses. Then the receipts went into a manilla envelope to be saved in case I needed them in the future.

Today, there are alternatives to mailing invoices and writing paper checks, which make record keeping easier.  Yet, many business owners still find it challenging to keep track of their business receipts.  Below are some easy tips to help you keep your business receipts and invoices organized.  In my next blog, I will look at some apps to help even more.

Have a designated place for receipts and invoices

Many organizers recommend that you have three designated receptacles, such as trays, baskets, or folders, in which you put important papers until you have time to deal with them. One tray would be for bills that need to be paid, one for completed work that needs to be invoiced, and the third for documents to be filed.  As soon as documents are received, whether through the mail or delivered in person, they should be reviewed for correctness and then placed in the appropriate repository until you are ready to pay bills or send out invoices. Upon dealing with these items, the supporting documents should be put in the “file” tray until you have time to file them.

Set up online folders to store receipts and invoices that are sent digitally

Many of your suppliers will send you invoices via email or text that allow you to simply enter your payment information. Save these receipts in digital files.  To eliminate the need to keep paper receipts, you can scan them and add them to your digital file system.  Scan apps for phones can make this an easy process. As an alternative to scanning, you can snap a picture of your receipts and store the pictures.  Scanning receipts also helps to protect their legibility, so you can read them clearly in the future.

Setup Auto-Pay for Regularly Occurring Bills

Most banks make it easy to set up automatic payments for regularly occurring bills.  Some companies, such as utility companies, will send the bill to the bank. You should down load the bill for your records, however, as the bank may not store the bill long-term. Banks must store payment records for several years, but they are not required to store invoices. Make it a habit to download the bill at the time you authorize payment.  Store the invoices in the digital files you have created on your computer.

Schedule Time Regularly for Bill Paying and Invoicing

Set aside time each week, or more often, to pay bills and send out invoices.  It is important to put this on your calendar and commit to keeping up with these tasks.  Scheduling time on your calendar helps you to build habits that ensure that your bills get paid, your invoices get sent out, and your records are kept up-to-date.  In the long run, this habit will save you money and reduce your stress.

Match your receipts with your bank and credit card transactions.

Include time in your bill management schedule to review each bank statement and credit card statement. Match each transaction with your receipts.  If you are missing a receipt, the earlier you realize this the sooner you can search for it and the more likely you will be to find it. Keep in mind that if you should face an audit, the IRS will not accept credit card statements. You must be able to produce legible receipts for each expense you deducted on your tax return.

All your business documents should be kept for at least seven years after you have filed your tax return. You should also set up backup storage, in case you have a problem with your computer.  You can store your files on an external hard drive or in the cloud.

Follow the steps above to organize your receipts and invoices.  It will reduce your stress and save you money on your taxes.  Watch for my next blog on apps to make these processes even easier.

Start the New-Year with an Inventory: A Practical Guide for Small Businesses

The start of a new year is the perfect time for small business owners to pause, reflect, and prepare for what lies ahead. As you close the books on 2025, one essential step in setting your business up for success is taking inventory.

For many businesses, inventory is a mandatory task. You must know what assets you have in order to (1) determine your cost of goods sold, (2) calculate profit and loss, and (3) prepare an accurate balance sheet. This process often requires the business owner—or trusted staff members—to physically count inventory.

Retail and wholesale businesses must count goods held for sale, while manufacturers must account for components and materials. Beyond physical assets, wise business owners take inventory in several other critical areas that support long-term business growth.

Personnel Inventory

The new year is an ideal time to assess your workforce and determine whether you have the right people in place to meet upcoming challenges.

Consider whether you plan to expand into new markets and whether your current team has the skills needed to support that growth. If you anticipate changes to operations due to new technology or the use of AI, ask whether current employees will need additional training—or whether new roles with different skill sets may be required.

Think ahead to employee transitions. If key team members may retire or leave this year, identify whether current employees could be developed and promoted into those roles, and which positions may require external hiring. Review certifications and training credentials, and create a plan for continuing education or re-certification where needed. Investing in your people is one of the most important investments you can make as a small business owner.

Digital Inventory

Your digital assets are valuable business resources and should be reviewed regularly. These assets include customer lists, business documents, websites, photos, videos, and social media accounts.

Ensure that all digital assets are secure, backed up, and compliant with applicable regulations. Public-facing assets such as your website should be ADA compliant so that all potential customers can access your information and interact with your business. Review license and subscription renewal dates and add them to your calendar to avoid disruptions.

Document who has access to digital accounts and what permissions they hold. At least two trusted employees should have access to critical systems to ensure continuity if an account manager leaves unexpectedly.

Financial Inventory

A financial review is essential to maintaining a healthy small business. Take time to examine outstanding accounts receivable—money owed to your business—and accounts payable—money your business owes.

Confirm that obligations are being paid on time to avoid late fees and interest and to take advantage of any early-payment discounts. Evaluate whether customers are paying on schedule and address overdue accounts promptly. Review your cash position to ensure you have sufficient funds to meet upcoming obligations. If a shortfall is likely, act early to establish a line of credit or strengthen your receivables collection process.

Intellectual Property Inventory

When small business owners hear the term intellectual property, they often think of patents or trademarks. While you may not hold formal registrations, you likely have important branding assets such as your business name, logo, website, and domain names.

Take time to confirm that these assets are protected and that any registrations or renewals are current. Review your business listings across online directories to ensure information is accurate and consistent. Conduct an internet search to verify that no one is improperly using your business name or branding. Protecting your intellectual property helps safeguard your reputation and credibility.

Marketing Inventory

Review your marketing materials, including brochures, business cards, and branded merchandise. If inventory is running low, this is an excellent time to evaluate whether updates or corrections are needed.

Order refreshed materials as appropriate, and discard outdated versions to reduce clutter and prevent employees from inadvertently using incorrect information. Clear, current marketing materials support consistent messaging and professional presentation.

Processes Inventory

Finally, assess your business processes to ensure your operations are efficient and aligned with your goals. Reviewing processes can uncover gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.

Evaluate core operational workflows, administrative tasks, inventory management, sales and marketing efforts, customer service procedures, technology systems, and decision-making processes. As you do, consider whether new tools or technologies on the market could improve efficiency or support future growth.

Taking these inventories requires an investment of time, but the benefits are significant. This process helps prepare your employees for the year ahead, simplifies tax preparation, protects your business assets, reduces clutter, and positions your company for success in 2026.

A thoughtful inventory is one of the best ways to start the new year with clarity, confidence, and purpose. It is time well spent—and a strong foundation for the year ahead.

To make this easy to use throughout the year, the checklist below can be copied and pasted into your Notes app, or you can email it to yourself using the icon at the bottom of this post.

New Year Small Business Inventory Checklist

Save this checklist to revisit throughout the year.

📦 Physical & Asset Inventory

☐ Count inventory held for sale (retail/wholesale)
☐ Count components and materials (manufacturing)
☐ Review furniture, fixtures, and equipment
☐ Update depreciated values for tax and accounting records
☐ Check office supply levels

👥 Personnel Inventory

☐ Review current staffing levels
☐ Identify skill gaps for business growth or expansion
☐ Assess training needs related to technology or AI
☐ Review employee certifications and renewal dates
☐ Identify potential retirements or role transitions
☐ Create a hiring or promotion plan if needed

💻 Digital Asset Inventory

☐ Review customer lists and business documents
☐ Confirm website and digital assets are backed up
☐ Check ADA compliance for public-facing platforms
☐ Review software licenses and subscription renewals
☐ Confirm who has access to each digital account
☐ Ensure at least two trusted users can access critical systems

💰 Financial Inventory

☐ Review accounts receivable
☐ Follow up on overdue customer payments
☐ Review accounts payable
☐ Schedule upcoming payments to avoid late fees
☐ Review cash flow and upcoming obligations
☐ Explore financing or credit options if needed

™️ Intellectual Property Inventory

☐ Review business name, logo, and branding assets
☐ Confirm domain names and renewals
☐ Check trademarks or copyrights (if applicable)
☐ Verify business listings across online directories
☐ Search for unauthorized use of business branding

📣 Marketing Inventory

☐ Count brochures, business cards, and printed materials
☐ Review messaging for accuracy and relevance
☐ Update marketing materials as needed
☐ Reorder materials with low stock
☐ Discard outdated or incorrect materials

⚙️ Process Inventory

☐ Review core operational processes
☐ Assess administrative workflows
☐ Evaluate inventory management systems
☐ Review sales and marketing processes
☐ Assess customer service procedures
☐ Evaluate technology and data management tools
☐ Identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities

A Business Owner’s Guide to Spreading A Season of Generosity

For many of us, December is a season marked by giving. We paused last month to celebrate Thanksgiving and reflect on our many blessings, and now we turn our attention to preparing for Christmas or Hanukkah—holidays that both celebrate God’s goodness to His people.

For those who follow Christ, Christmas is far more than a season of shopping and gift exchanges. It is a time to reflect the love of Christ through intentional acts of generosity. God demonstrated His love through the greatest gift ever given: His Son, sent to live a sinless life and die on the cross to redeem mankind. The journey to the cross began at the manger.

Whether you are a business owner, an employee, or a retiree, you have countless opportunities to show generosity this season and share the love of Christ with those around you. Let these words guide you: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

Demonstrating Generosity as a Business Owner

If you own a small business, the holiday season provides unique opportunities to bless your customers, employees, and community. Consider these ideas:

  • Support local organizations.
    Donate funds to groups providing meals, warm clothing, or Christmas gifts for families in need. Let your customers know that their support helped make these contributions possible.
  • Participate in an Adopt-a-Family program.
    Sponsor one or more families as a business, inviting your staff and customers to join in meeting specific needs. You can also adopt a military family through organizations like Soldiers’ Angels.
  • Go the extra mile in customer care.
    Offer cookies and hot cider, provide complimentary gift wrapping, or surprise customers with small tokens of appreciation like ornaments or holiday treats. A cheerful greeting and an extra measure of kindness can make a lasting impact.
  • Offer paid volunteer time.
    Give employees a few hours of paid time off to serve at local holiday programs or nonprofit organizations.
  • Bless your team.
    Show gratitude through thoughtful gifts or year-end bonuses to acknowledge their hard work throughout the year.

Demonstrating Generosity as a Community Member

Regardless of income level, everyone can show generosity during the holidays.

  • Make charitable donations.
    Even small contributions to local nonprofits and faith-based organizations make a meaningful impact.
  • Volunteer your time.
    Many groups need help serving meals, wrapping Christmas gifts, hosting events at shelters, and more.
  • Buy gifts for children in need.
    Programs like Toys for Tots and Angel Tree rely on community generosity—collection periods are ending soon, so take action quickly.
  • Visit the elderly.
    Stop by nursing homes, assisted living centers, or the homes of elderly neighbors. Bring carolers, small gifts, or simply warm conversation. Your presence might be the highlight of their season.

Where You Can Still Give This Season

Many organizations are still accepting gifts, donations, and support:

  • The Salvation Army Angel Tree – Adopt a child in need or donate to the Red Kettle campaign through Christmas Eve.
  • Samaritan’s Purse – Build an online shoebox or donate through their gift catalog to support clean water projects, meals for children, or small-business assistance for families.
  • Toys for Tots – New, unwrapped toys are being collected through mid-December, depending on location.
  • Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Christmas – Donate to provide gifts for children with an incarcerated parent.
  • Feeding America or your local food bank – Help ensure families have food this holiday season. These organizations appreciate support year-round.
  • Christmas Spirit Foundation – Donate to provide Christmas trees for military families separated from deployed loved ones.

A Final Encouragement

This Christmas season, keep Christ at the center of your celebrations and be His hands extended to a hurting world. As you share His love and blessings with others, you demonstrate what it means to follow Him.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34–35

Practicing Daily Gratitude: A Thanksgiving Reflection

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

This week, Americans will celebrate Thanksgiving. Many of us will pause to thank God for the countless blessings He has given us. We will also express appreciation to family members, friends, coworkers, employees, and those who provide services to us.

But gratitude is not meant to be seasonal. It is a posture of the heart—one we can cultivate daily until it becomes a natural way of living. Below are practical ways to nurture a grateful spirit and express thanksgiving throughout the year.

Be Conscious of Your Blessings

Begin each morning by thanking God for another day and the blessings He’s entrusted to you—your family, your home, your job or business, and the ability to provide for your loved ones.

Consider keeping a gratitude journal. Each evening, take a few minutes to write down 3–5 things you are thankful for. These can be small moments of kindness—a compliment, an unexpected check in the mail, or a thoughtful gesture that brightened your day.

Pay attention to the beauty around you. Scripture reminds us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” (Psalm 19:1)

Place Scripture verses and inspirational words in your home, office, or workspace to regularly remind yourself to practice gratitude.

Express Thankfulness Daily

Make it a habit to acknowledge the people who contribute to your life and work.

  • Thank your employees for their efforts—whether they delivered excellent customer service, prevented a problem, made a significant sale, or completed a task with excellence.
  • Thank your customers for choosing your business, remembering they have many options. Customers who feel appreciated are far more likely to return.
  • Thank those who serve you in everyday ways. A sincere expression of gratitude often brightens someone’s entire day.
  • Send handwritten notes to those who have shown kindness or gone the extra mile. A personal touch communicates genuine appreciation.

Change Your Mindset

Not every situation unfolds the way we hope, but even disappointments can hold hidden blessings.

When things go differently than planned, resist discouragement. Instead, look for the opportunities within the challenge. Ask yourself: What can I learn from this?

Celebrate the successes of your competitors. If you lose a sale or contract, consider what they did well, and learn from it. You may have strengths they don’t—and when a customer needs those strengths, you can refer them graciously. Kindness in competition honors God and strengthens business relationships.

When one opportunity closes, remember it creates space for another. You cannot do everything. Redirect your energy to what is now possible.

Avoid comparing your blessings to those of others. Gratitude grows when we recognize the goodness God has placed in our own lives.

Be God’s Hands Extended

Every day brings opportunities to bless those around you.

Sometimes kindness is simple—holding a door, paying for the person behind you in the drive-thru, or sending a quick text letting someone know you’re praying for them. Serving others brings joy and lifts your own heart.

Look for ways to help those in need during the holiday season. Volunteer. Donate to a food pantry. Sponsor an Angel Tree child. Give gifts to residents of a homeless shelter.

Be mindful that some neighbors face deep difficulties this time of year—loss, illness, deployment, or separation. Ask God how you can bring comfort or encouragement. A small gesture, such as sharing cookies and hot chocolate, arranging a caroling visit, or helping decorate, can remind them that God sees them and cares for them.

As you intentionally thank God for your blessings and look for ways to bless others, gratitude will begin to overflow from your heart. Focusing on the good makes life richer, joy fuller, and thanksgiving more natural.

“I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds.” — Psalm 9:1

Simple Ways to Thank Your Customers This Thanksgiving

As a small business owner, you should always be grateful for the customers you have. Without customers, your business cannot generate revenue—and you won’t stay in business long.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to let customers know how much you appreciate their support. It’s also an ideal time to reconnect with customers who have not visited your business recently. A recent study showed that it costs five times more to acquire a new customer than to re-engage a former one.

It doesn’t take a large financial investment to make customers feel valued. Whether you operate a retail shop, hospitality business, service business, or professional service firm, take a moment before the holiday rush begins to thank your customers for trusting you to meet their needs.

Treat Your Customers with Respect

Showing respect and courtesy is a free and powerful way to demonstrate appreciation.
• Warmly welcome customers into your establishment, making yourself available without being pushy.
• Address customers by name whenever possible.
• Be punctual for appointments, whether they come to you or you travel to them.
• When the transaction is complete, thank them sincerely for their business.

Retail Business Appreciation Ideas

If you own a retail shop, use a customer management system to gather contact information and track your best customers. Here are some low-cost but meaningful ways to show appreciation:

• Host a holiday customer appreciation open house. Send postcards or emails inviting customers to the event. Offer a special discount or small token of appreciation to those who bring the invitation. Provide refreshments and play holiday music to create a festive atmosphere.
• Hold “invitation-only” events. Invite your best customers—and lapsed customers—to a special shopping experience with refreshments and personal attention.
• Offer early-access or after-hours shopping. Open early or stay open late so invited guests can shop new merchandise first.
• Host a vendor trunk show exclusively for your top customers.
• Send handwritten thank-you notes with a gift certificate or discount coupon to encourage holiday shopping.
• Email your best customers with holiday hours and special event information. Include a short video thanking them for their support.
• Give a small holiday gift with purchase—such as a branded mug, tote, or calendar.
• Restaurants: Email loyalty members early with holiday menus and catering options. Encourage them to enjoy a relaxing meal during the busy season and include a coupon for a free appetizer or dessert on their next visit.

Service Business Appreciation Ideas

Service-based businesses—serving individuals or other businesses—often find it easier to track their best customers due to scheduled appointments and invoicing. Consider:

• Handwritten notes or appreciative emails. Thank customers for their loyalty and include reminders if they are due for service. Add a free upgrade or discount for their next appointment.
• Send inexpensive branded gifts your customers will use—such as magnetic recipe calendars, pens, chip clips, or keychains. These items keep your business top-of-mind.
• Provide valuable tips via email such as lawn care, HVAC maintenance, money-saving ideas, or holiday travel advice.
• Deliver gift baskets to high-value business clients—options include fruit baskets, snacks, chocolates, or coffee assortments.
• Host a holiday lunch or dinner for business customers as a gesture of appreciation.
• Make a charitable donation on behalf of your customers. Send a card or ecard thanking them and letting them know their patronage helped your business give back.

You should be thankful for your customers all year long. Make it a habit to express your appreciation regularly. However, Thanksgiving is an especially meaningful time to let customers know how much their support matters. These ideas can help you communicate gratitude in simple but impactful ways. Please share additional ideas you’ve used in the comments.

“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.” —1 Thessalonians 1:2

Expressing Employee Gratitude During the Holidays

If you are a small business owner, your employees are crucial to the success of your business. In case you need a reminder, you and your business benefit from your employees in many ways, including these:

Ability to meet the needs of more customers.
Your time is limited. Having employees extends your ability to provide goods and services to more customers. While your employees are making sales, closing deals, and answering questions, you are free to focus on other customers or handle the many administrative and marketing tasks required for your business to operate smoothly and profitably. More customers mean more revenue for your business.

Ability to take time off.
A solopreneur typically earns money only when working. Even if she operates an online store that processes sales around the clock, she must still ensure orders are fulfilled, payments are processed, and inventory is managed. However, a business owner with well-trained employees can take time away, confident that customers’ needs are being met and revenue continues to be generated.

Added skills and knowledge.
Each employee brings unique skills and talents to your business. Many will have expertise that can enhance your operations or take over tasks you don’t enjoy. For example, an employee with a flair for decorating and creativity can elevate your store windows, merchandise displays, and website in ways you might not have imagined.

Ways to Show Gratitude to Your Employees

During the Thanksgiving season, small business owners should make a special effort to recognize and reward the contributions of their employees. Here are some meaningful ways to express your appreciation:

Written or verbal expression of appreciation.
Write personal thank-you messages to each employee, mentioning a specific attitude, behavior, or achievement you particularly value.

Flexible work schedules.
Acknowledge that the holiday season can be hectic. Reward employees with four to eight hours of additional paid time off in December so they can attend school events, shop for gifts, or simply rest.

Holiday bonuses.
While many businesses give bonuses at Christmas or year-end, consider providing them at Thanksgiving instead. It’s a tangible way to express gratitude and allows your employees to use the funds to make their holidays even brighter.

Gift cards.
Help relieve holiday stress by giving gift cards for experiences your employees will enjoy—such as a massage, a spa day, a nice dinner, or tickets to a movie or play. Tailor the gift to each person’s interests when possible.

Thoughtful gifts.
A personalized gift of an employee’s favorite snacks or beverages, paired with a note of appreciation, is always meaningful. A gift basket with tea or coffee, cookies, and seasonal treats makes a warm and thoughtful gesture.

Employee appreciation meal.
Host a catered lunch or breakfast before Thanksgiving to celebrate your team. Consider closing for a few hours and posting notice ahead of time on your website and doors. Use the meal to share specific ways each employee contributes to the success of your business—and encourage team members to express gratitude for one another as well.

As we head into the busy holiday season, take time to express appreciation to your employees in ways that are meaningful to them. Doing so reinforces that you value them—and inspires them to give their best during this important season.

Please share ways you intend to express appreciation to your employees.

“I thank my God every time I remember you.”
Philippians 1:3