The Opportunity Some Businesses Miss Every Fall 🍂

Pour yourself something cold. Let's talk about finishing the year strong.

We still have a few more weeks to enjoy those long summer evenings, backyard barbecues, weekends at the lake, and a little extra sunshine before fall officially arrives on September 22nd.

There's something about this time of year that feels like a reset. Kids are back in school, vacations come to an end, calendars fill up again, and many of us naturally settle back into a routine after the slower pace of summer.

This is the perfect time to take a step back and think about how you want your business to finish out the year. 

Whether your business goal is to increase revenue, reconnect with customers, launch something new, or simply end the year in a stronger position than you started, there is still plenty of time to move the needle.

The businesses that finish the year strong rarely get there by accident. They use this time to analyze what's working, adjust what isn't, and make intentional decisions about where to focus their energy over the next few months. 

Set aside 30 minutes this week and answer these three questions

Then put that first step on your calendar. You'll be surprised how much progress you can make by planning and starting early.

🌟Small Business Spotlight

She had 60 days to save her grandmother's restaurant…and she did it!

When college student Sophia Aquino came home for the summer, she noticed something heartbreaking. 

Her grandmother's Salvadoran-Mexican restaurant, La Posada, wasn't as busy as it used to be. Rather than creating a flashy advertising campaign, Sophia picked up her phone and shared a simple story.

In an Instagram Reel, she explained that she had 60 days to help save her grandmother's restaurant before returning to college. She talked about her grandmother, who had spent more than 20 years running the restaurant, and asked people to visit or simply share the video.

Even though the page only had around 2,700 followers and 15 posts, the response was incredible. The video spread across social media, thousands of people rallied behind the family, and customers began showing up to support the restaurant. 

Within days, the restaurant was packed. Customers were even driving across state lines to keep the momentum going. 

The story is a good reminder that customers don't just buy products or services. They connect with people, and they remember stories. Behind every small business is a person, a family, a dream, or a reason it exists. Don't be afraid to tell people your story. You never know who it might reach.

La Posada Restaurant/Instagram

💡 Steal This Idea

Want to try this for your business? Here’s how:

People may forget your latest promotion, but they'll remember a story that made them care.

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🗝️ Hidden in Plain Sight

Somewhere in this newsletter, I've hidden a mushroom that looks like this 🍄.

Think you've found it? Hit reply and tell me where it is.

Happy hunting!

📕 What I'm Reading This Week

Check out the latest articles published on Fit Small Business.

🤖 Prompt & Prosper

Turn your story into marketing

Copy this prompt and paste it in ChatGPT or Claude

When should I start planning for Black Friday and year-end sales?

If your business plans to run a Black Friday or year-end promotion, the answer is now.

The most successful campaigns aren't created the week before they launch. They're planned weeks, or months, in advance. 

August is a great time to decide what you'll promote, build your email list, create your graphics, and map out your marketing calendar.

Even if you don't sell products, this is a good time to think about year-end service packages, client appreciation offers, or promotions that encourage customers to book before the end of the year.

Bottom line: Your customers may not be thinking about year-end shopping yet, but business owners should be.

Here's how to prepare:

✅ Decide what you'll promote

Don't wait until the week of Black Friday🍄 to figure out your offer. Choose one product or service you want to highlight and determine whether you'll offer a discount, bundle, bonus, or limited-time incentive. Planning ahead gives you time to refine your offer instead of rushing to create one.

✅ Prepare your marketing now

Create your emails, social media posts, website banners, and graphics before the busy season begins. Having your marketing ready means you'll spend less time scrambling and more time serving customers when demand picks up.

✅ Make sure your business is ready

Review your inventory, website, payment systems, and staffing needs now. Test your checkout process, confirm popular products are in stock, and make sure customers can easily place orders or book your services. A successful promotion starts with a smooth customer experience.

📰 In the News

🤖 AI is changing the workplace faster than many expected

Several major companies, including Meta, Amazon, Visa, and Coinbase, have announced layoffs this year while expanding their use of AI. The trend doesn't mean AI is replacing every job, but it does signal that businesses of all sizes should start thinking about how AI can improve productivity and automate repetitive tasks.

US small businesses are becoming more resilient to tariffs

While new tariffs continue to make headlines, many small businesses say they aren't feeling the same level of disruption they experienced in previous years. Business owners have diversified suppliers, adjusted pricing, and found new ways to manage rising costs, making them better prepared for changes in trade policy.

🎣 Business scams aren't slowing down

The IRS is reminding business owners to stay alert for phishing emails, fake invoices, AI-generated impersonation scams, and fraudulent messages pretending to come from government agencies. Cybercriminals continue to target small businesses because they often have fewer security protections than larger companies

I’d love to hear from you 

Was there something that resonated with you, or is there a topic you'd like me to cover in a future issue? 

Feel free to reach out to me anytime at rayanne.harmon@technologyadvice.com

Rayanne Harmon

Senior Small Business Writer and Entrepreneur

Rayanne Harmon is an entrepreneur and finance professional with decades of experience building businesses while working in banking, accounting, and business finance. Inspired by a family of entrepreneurs, she successfully owned and operated a photography studio for 20 years before launching a social media marketing agency dedicated to helping small businesses grow. Through Small Business Insider, Rayanne shares practical advice, real-world insights, and actionable strategies to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting, managing, and growing a successful business.

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