Thriving Through the ’Ber Months: A Small Business Checklist
‘BER months = SeptemBER, OctoBER, NovemBER and DecemBER
Fall is here, and for small business owners, that means one thing: the busiest (and often most profitable) season is just around the corner. Whether you run a boutique, a coffee shop, or a service-based business, now’s the time to set yourself up for success before the holiday rush hits.
Fun fact: Nearly 80% of small businesses say the fourth quarter is their most profitable time of year (U.S. Chamber of Commerce). Translation? The prep you do now makes a huge difference come November and December.
Here’s your no-fluff, business-owner-friendly checklist to thrive this season:
1. Update Your Online Presence
Before customers line up for holiday shopping, they’re Googling, scrolling, and swiping. In fact, 77% of consumers research a business online before making a purchase (BrightLocal).
Ask yourself:
Is my website updated with current hours and services?
Do my socials reflect what I offer right now?
Can customers easily find how to contact or book with me?
✨ Quick win: Post a “fall refresh” announcement on social media — new products, seasonal specials, or even just a friendly update with autumn vibes.
(Pro tip from Conner Strategies: fresh content boosts your search rankings too.)
2. Lean Into Local Love
Fall brings community festivals, football games, and craft fairs. Small businesses shine when they show up locally.
Sponsor a local team or event.
Offer “game day specials.”
Partner with a neighboring business for a fall promo (like “shop here, get a coupon there”).
🍁 Pro Tip: Adding #LocallyOwned to your posts taps into the 70% of shoppers who say they actively look for ways to support local businesses (Intuit QuickBooks survey).
3. Prep for Small Business Saturday Now
It may feel far off, but Small Business Saturday (Nov. 29, 2025) is one of the biggest days of the year. In 2024, shoppers spent $17 billion with local businesses on this one day (American Express).
Waiting until Thanksgiving week to plan is like waiting until Christmas Eve to shop — stressful.
Plan a special promotion.
Create graphics ahead of time (so you’re not scrambling).
Start reminding customers in October so it’s already on their radar.
(This is where Conner Strategies can help small business owners — planning content calendars and campaigns now means you’re sipping cocoa, not pulling an all-nighter.)
4. Bring on the Cozy Content
Fall is peak “scrolling with a latte” season. Share relatable, cozy, and helpful content:
Behind-the-scenes of how you prep for the busy season.
Seasonal tips (ex: “3 Ways to Winterize Your Home” if you’re a service biz).
Staff picks for fall favorites.
📸 Easy idea: Snap a pic of your team with fall décor or warm drinks. Posts with authentic photos generate up to 2x more engagement than stock images (Sprout Social).
5. Get Your Finances Holiday-Ready
Sales spike in Q4 (October, November and December) — but so do expenses. 43% of small business owners say cash flow is their top challenge during the holidays (QuickBooks). Keeping up with bookkeeping now means less stress when the season hits full swing.
Track receipts weekly (no shoebox piles).
Review cash flow so you’re ready to stock up or staff up.
If you’re looking to outsource bookkeeping (hi 👋 Conner Strategies does this), set up a holiday check-in early.
Final Thought
This season is more than just pumpkin spice and glittery lights. It’s an opportunity to connect with your community, refresh your brand presence, and head into the new year with momentum. Start now, keep it simple, and remember — showing up consistently beats scrambling later.
🍂 Here’s to a season of cozy vibes, full carts, and thriving small businesses. And if you ever feel like the season’s moving faster than you can keep up, Conner Strategies is here to help you focus on what matters most. Your Business.
