Holidays -The Businesses That Flourish While Others Struggle

The holiday season is one of the most exciting—and frustrating—times of the year for business owners.

While shopping centers are packed and jewelry stores are overflowing with buyers, many businesses are quietly staring at their books… waiting.

1. Waiting on vendors to pay.

2. Waiting on invoices to clear.

3. Waiting on cash that’s already been earned.

And then reality hits.

💥 $50,000… $250,000… even $1,000,000 owed in receivables.

Shocking?

Only if you’ve never lived it.

This is the side of business people don’t talk about during the holidays—the cash flow gaps, the delayed payments, the pressure to keep teams paid and operations moving while money sits on someone else’s desk.

I have been in the service based industry for over 30 years. I remember at 23 years old I was managing a large staffing business and managing several of the largest accounts in our city with major construction and warehousing companies. We would payout easy $30,000 to $40,000 a week in payroll and invoice out to our customers. So many times I would have to call and call to get our payments and to have the accounting put us off. This was my first experience with big accounts and the frustration of receiving payments earned.

Today I and so many others still face these frustrations while we all look great at the parties many of us in the corner sharing stories on who has the most outstanding receivables while the music is cheerful, the presents are swinging and behind the smiles business owners are thinking. That $20,000 to $100,000 payment better be deposited before the end of next week.

That’s why building a business isn’t just about sales.

It’s about preparation.

✔️ Planning for slow collections

✔️ Building reserves

✔️ Structuring smarter payment terms

✔️ Creating multiple income streams

✔️ Always being ready for uncertain seasons

As we build our unique businesses, one truth remains constant:

1. Uncertainty isn’t an exception—it’s part of the game.

2. Those who win aren’t the ones who hope things work out…

3. They’re the ones who prepare before they have to.

If you’re navigating this season, you’re not alone—and if you’re planning ahead, you’re already ahead.