Author: Nick Reese
Date published: October 11, 2024
With the holidays just around the corner, the time for small businesses to start preparing is now, whether that's ordering extra stock, hiring temporary staff or finalizing online marketing campaigns. For a small business holidays can be a make-or-break time. With the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform, you can learn a few new skills that may help you make the most out of events like Small Business Saturday, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the entire holiday season to help your business thrive.
For a small business holidays can, however, be particularly challenging to the bottom line. This year is no exception. According to the most recent Verizon State of Small Business Survey, 84% of small to midsize business owners are concerned about the U.S. economy, 62% are worried about their business' financial security and 83% worry about the effects of rising inflation on their business.
As a result of these economic conditions, small businesses need to adapt, especially as more and more of your customers shift their shopping to online channels like your website, social media and mobile app. The more effectively you can find, reach and sell to customers online, the more you will thrive in today's digital-first marketplace.
That's where Digital Ready comes in—a free online education platform designed to meet the unique challenges of small businesses:
Whether you're looking to enhance your digital marketing skills, get your website ready for the rush of the holidays or need tips on how to improve your operations, Digital Ready has you covered. By tailoring your learning experience to your specific needs and schedule, you can quickly gain the knowledge and skills that can help you make an immediate impact this holiday season.
Digital Ready offers courses and events across every area of digital marketing, business skills and operations. To make the most out of Digital Ready in time for Small Business Saturday and the other small business holidays, here are a few courses you can put to work immediately:
In addition to online learning, Digital Ready also regularly hosts virtual networking sessions, in-person events and a thriving Slack channel where you can connect with other small business owners, learn from our experts and share your own experience.
For a small business, holidays are always a busy time. Consider registering for the opportunity to apply for a $10,000 grant to give your business the boost it may need. Register now and start learning how to elevate your business with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready.
The author of this content is a paid contributor for Verizon.