Yesterday I looked at the calendar. Not my work calendar or deadlines and not my bill calendar. (I like calendars and yes, they’re all overlayed on Google.) No, I looked at THE calendar and couldn’t believe next week is Thanksgiving. That means two days after that it’s Small Business Saturday!
Where did 2016 go?

I know you all have packets from American Express for all sorts of fun things to do (check out their new Shop Small Studio where you can customize downloadable marketing materials) but I thought I’d share a few last-minute ideas for Small Business Saturday just in case your packets haven’t arrived or you’re one of those over achiever types who always goes that extra mile.
Even though it’s quickly approaching, you still have enough time before the 26th.
Last-Minute Small Business Saturday Ideas
Hand Out Coffee
If your office is centrally located near the shopping district get out and hand out some early morning coffee. If that competes with a local small business, hand out shopping maps, or packs of gum, or some other small token to keep shoppers shopping.
Place a Count-Down Counter on Your Website
Count the hours down until Small Business Saturday. Get people pumped.
Feature a Small Business
Feature a small business on social media every day from now until the big day. Either hold a drawing for it or do several postings a day to help accommodate the small business members that are participating.
Crunch the Numbers
Throw together a quick infographic about small businesses in your area. Use local data.
Post Nostalgic Pictures
Post nostalgic pictures of your downtown, Add a couple of fun facts like what milk or bread cost when those pictures were taken.
Ask for the Brags
Invite people to post on your Facebook page or use a designated hashtag to celebrate their favorite small business.
Share the Specials
If your participating businesses are running Small Business Saturday specials, help them get the word out.
Use Facebook Live
Go Live and visit participating members ahead of time and ask them what their specials are and/or boradcast that day to build excitement. Be live for more than 15 minutes and you’ll be able to take advantage of Facebook Live’s increased reach.
Small Business Saturday will be here soon. Hope you have a great turnout.