How do I get more customers into my retail store?

We use the Zenith Method™ to help you increase visibility, attract the right foot traffic, and turn browsers into buyers. Most of our clients see an increase in traffic within weeks of implementing the strategy.

What kind of retailers do you work with?

I coach independent retailers across the UK — from gift shops and clothing boutiques to lifestyle stores and homeware brands. If you run a physical store or sell in-person and want more sales, I can help.

Do I need a big budget to grow my retail business?

No. Most of my clients grow without spending heavily on ads. We focus on connection, storytelling, customer experience, and systems that increase sales organically and sustainably.

What makes Samuel Chapman different from other business coaches?

I’ve built and sold multiple six-figure businesses, including brick-and-mortar stores, and I specialise in real-world retail, not theory. My coaching is personal, practical, and proven — rooted in results, not fluff.

How to Reclaim Your Time and Business This Festive Season (and Beyond!)

As the festive season approaches, many small business owners face a common challenge: how to balance the demands of a busy business with the desire to enjoy the holidays.

With your calendar packed and a to-do list that seems endless, it's easy to lose sight of the passion that led you to start your business in the first place. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

In this blog post from episode 65 of The Abundant business Podcast, we’ll explore actionable strategies to help you reclaim your time, boost your business, and still savour the special moments of the season.

Plus, these tips will set you up for success beyond the holidays, helping you build a sustainable business that supports your life.

1. Embrace the Seasons of Your Business

Just like the weather, your business experiences natural ebbs and flows. Some times are bustling with activity, such as when you’re launching a new product or preparing for a major sale, while others are quieter and more reflective. As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to step back, assess what’s working, and make plans for the future.

Taking time for rest and reflection doesn’t mean you're not working hard, it's about being intentional with your efforts. The key to long-term success isn’t constant hustle; it’s about working smarter, not harder.

Pro Tip: Use this festive season as an opportunity to reassess your strategies. Identify areas of your business that need rest and areas where you can push forward to finish the year strong.

2. Set Clear Boundaries for Your Time

Setting boundaries isn’t just important for managing customer expectations, it’s essential for your own well-being. To reclaim your time, you need to set limits on when you’re “on” and when you’re “off.” This means setting specific times to respond to emails, social media messages, and inquiries from customers or clients.

Why It Matters: Without boundaries, work can bleed into personal time, leaving you feeling burned out and overwhelmed. By clearly communicating your availability to your team and customers, you can protect your time, stay focused, and reduce stress.

Actionable Tip: Establish “work hours” and stick to them. Communicate these hours to your team and customers, and avoid checking work emails or social media during off-hours.

3. Use a Festive Marketing Plan That Works

The holiday season is prime time for sales, but that doesn’t mean you have to overextend yourself with complicated campaigns. The key to staying sane and successful during this period is focusing on one or two main marketing initiatives.

Strategy Tip: Create a simple festive marketing plan that includes a couple of key promotions, like a special product bundle or a limited-time partnership offer. Pre-plan your promotional content to avoid the stress of last-minute marketing decisions.

Pro Tip: Use tools like scheduling apps (e.g., Later, Buffer) to plan and schedule your social media posts ahead of time, saving you hours each week.

4. Automate Repetitive Tasks

Automation is one of the best time-saving tools available to busy business owners. By automating repetitive tasks, such as social media posts, email campaigns, or customer inquiries, you can focus on more strategic aspects of your business.

Why Automation Matters: Tools like Flodesk for email automation, Later for social media scheduling, and even basic autoresponders for inquiries can save you hours of work each week.

Pro Tip: Set up automation to handle the tasks that don’t require your immediate attention—things like social media posts, promotional emails, or even order confirmations.

5. Focus on the “Big Three” Daily Tasks

Each day, identify the three most important tasks that will move your business forward. By narrowing your focus to just three high-impact activities, you’ll be able to work more efficiently and achieve more without burning out.

Why It Works: Instead of getting lost in the minutiae of your to-do list, focusing on the "Big Three" ensures you’re always working toward your most important goals.

Actionable Tip: Prioritise tasks that align with the four pillars of business success: attracting more customers, encouraging repeat business, increasing average order value, and fostering a positive mindset.

6. Batch Your Work for Maximum Efficiency

Batching is a powerful technique that involves grouping similar tasks together to streamline your workflow. For example, dedicate one morning to creating all your social media posts for the week or set aside a few hours to process orders.

Why Batching Works: By focusing on one task at a time without interruptions, you’ll maintain momentum and complete tasks faster than if you were jumping from one task to another.

Pro Tip: Try to batch tasks like content creation, customer communication, or inventory management into blocks of time during the week to keep your workflow steady and efficient.

7. Delegate or Outsource Tasks to Free Up Your Time

As a business owner, it can be tempting to try and do everything yourself. But to truly reclaim your time, consider delegating or outsourcing tasks that don’t require your personal touch. Whether it’s hiring freelancers, using contractors, or asking family members for help, outsourcing can allow you to focus on the aspects of your business that drive growth.

Why Delegation Works: By letting go of the tasks that don’t directly contribute to your bottom line, you’ll have more energy and time to focus on high-impact activities.

Pro Tip: Identify the tasks that you can outsource (like bookkeeping, content writing, or administrative work) and start delegating those today.

8. Prioritise Rest and Self-Care

It might sound counterintuitive, but taking breaks actually boosts productivity. When you give yourself the rest you need, you return to work with a clearer mind, higher energy, and better decision-making abilities.

Why Rest Matters: Small breaks throughout the day—like a walk, a workout, or time spent with family—allow you to recharge so you can perform at your best when it’s time to work.

Actionable Tip: Block out time in your calendar for regular breaks and stick to it. Prioritise self-care and make sure you’re getting enough sleep during the busy holiday season.

9. Leverage Your Email List for Direct Sales

Your email list is one of the most powerful tools in your business arsenal. During the holidays, email marketing can be more effective than social media, which is often crowded with content. Use your email list to share exclusive offers, behind-the-scenes updates, or festive tips related to your products.

Why It Works: Email marketing provides a direct line to your most engaged audience—your loyal customers.

Pro Tip: Send targeted holiday offers and personalised recommendations to your email list to boost engagement and sales.

10. Reflect and Plan for the New Year

Finally, as the year draws to a close, take some time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Review your wins and challenges, and use those insights to set clear goals for the upcoming year.

Why Reflection Matters: Reflection allows you to identify areas for improvement, celebrate successes, and adjust your strategy to make the next year even better.

Pro Tip: Schedule time in your calendar to reflect on your business journey and create a roadmap for success in the new year.

Building a Sustainable Business

Reclaiming your time during the festive season isn’t just about getting through the holidays, it’s about creating a business that works for you. By being intentional with your time and focusing on what truly matters, you can build a sustainable business that supports both your personal and professional goals.

Remember, you have the power to reclaim your time, boost your business, and enjoy the holiday season without overwhelm. Start by implementing just one or two strategies from today’s post, and watch your business and life transform for the better!