In this episode of The Opt-In Podcast, host Melissa Franks shares her Holiday Season Survival Guide for Business Owners. A practical, heartfelt, and sometimes hilarious look at how to stay sane, strategic, and successful during the busiest time of year. Whether your business is deep in Q4 chaos or wrapping up a slower season, these 10 essentials will help you finish strong and start 2026 ready to thrive.

Melissa draws from her early days in retail (and a memorable Black Friday gone wrong!) to her years in corporate operations, breaking down what it really takes to manage people, priorities, and performance during the holidays, all while remembering to actually enjoy the season.

 

🔟 The 10 Essentials for Your Holiday Business Survival Guide:

1. Plan for Team Time Off: Collect requests early and ensure your bases are covered.
2. Plan Your Own Time Off: The CEO needs rest too.
3. Decide What Matters Most: Focus on 1–3 key priorities between now and year-end.
4. Plan for January (Now): Success in January starts in December.
5. Set 2026 Goals Early: Slow, intentional goal setting beats rushed resolutions.
6. Follow the Plan — Don’t Panic: Trust your strategy before making emotional pivots.
7. Have Contingency Plans: Because the happy path rarely happens.
8. Gift Thoughtfully: Cash for employees, experiences for clients - and no logo swag!
9. Actually Take Time Off: Rest is part of performance.
10. Enjoy the Season: Energy, goodwill, and gratitude fuel great leadership.

 

📚 Mentions & Resources:

• The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran & Michael Lennington
• Peak Performance by Brad Stulberg & Steve Magness

 

To learn more about On Call COO go to https://www.melissafranks.com/fractionalcooservices

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