Episode Overview

Podcast: The Product Boss: Business Coaching for Product-Based Female Entrepreneurs
Host: Jacqueline Snyder
Episode: 725. What to Do NOW So You’re Ready by Black Friday
Date: October 16, 2025

In this actionable, solo episode, Jacqueline Snyder delivers a focused strategy session to prepare product-based business owners for a profitable Black Friday and Q4. Emphasizing preparation over panic, Jacqueline offers a “holiday readiness framework” tailored for makers, Etsy sellers, online shop owners, and brick-and-mortar entrepreneurs alike. Her advice centers on maximizing current strengths, tapping into new audiences without demanding extra social following, and increasing sales from existing customers—all while keeping overwhelm at bay.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Critical Importance of October Preparation

• October is “the month that separates those who react to the holidays from those who lead a business through them.” (03:06)
• Jacqueline sets the stage: Businesses that thrive during the holidays prepare now rather than waiting for orders to (hopefully) arrive.
• Preparation and having a plan are the keys to generating momentum, profit, and less stress during Black Friday and the holiday season.

2. Mindset Shift: You Don’t Need a Bigger Audience to Succeed

• Many business owners believe they need more followers, but “You don’t need to grow an audience to grow your income.” (04:28)
• Jacqueline’s “OPA method”—Other People’s Audiences—lets you borrow established audiences instead of starting from scratch.
• She illustrates with a student who made $9k from Jan–Sept, then $30k in three months by leveraging OPA through collaborations and new sales channels.

3. Holiday Readiness Framework: 3 Steps to Success

Step 1: Double Down on What’s Already Working (07:01)

• Avoid the mistake of “reinventing the wheel in October.”
• Questions to ask:
  • What are my best sellers now?
  • Where do I sell best (Etsy, markets, website)?
  • What do repeat customers buy?
• Focus on your signature products—“Your job this month is to double down on what’s already working.” (08:37)
• Benefits: Marketing and messaging get clearer, making it easier for customers to shop and recommend you.

Step 2: Get in Front of Other People’s Audiences (OPA) (10:10)

• Instead of grinding for more followers, connect to new buyers via strategic partnerships:
  • Collaborate with other makers or brands.
  • Join local markets.
  • Bundle with complementary products.
  • Expand into wholesale or get featured in gift guides or subscription boxes.
  • Partner with influencers with similar customer bases.
• “You don’t need more followers. You need more eyeballs in the right places.” (11:00)
• Purpose: Visibility that converts—real people shopping where they already are.

Step 3: Maximize the Value of Every Customer (12:54)

• Focus on increasing average order value (AOV), not just volume.
• Example: A student named Nancy doubled her top month just by raising prices and adding bundles/upsells—without gaining more customers.
• Tactics:
  • Offer bundles (e.g., buy two get one).
  • Create limited edition holiday sets.
  • Send post-purchase upsell emails.
  • Use QR codes at booths to direct to your online store/newsletter.
• “You don’t always need more people…You get to raise the value.” (14:09)

4. The Mindset Component

• Jacqueline addresses two types of overwhelmed owners: those wishing for more business and those afraid of even more busyness.
• “This is your moment. This is when buyers are ready. This is when your products get to shine.” (15:22)
• The key is not talent or product quality, but rather having support, structure, belief, and a plan.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“October is the month that separates those who react to the holidays from those who lead a business through them.”
— Jacqueline Snyder, (03:06)

“You don’t need to grow an audience to grow your income. Instead, learn to get in front of other people’s audiences.”
— Jacqueline Snyder, (04:28)

“Your job this month is to double down on what’s already working. Because when you lean into your known for products…marketing gets easier.”
— Jacqueline Snyder, (08:37)

“You don’t need more followers. You need more eyeballs in the right places.”
— Jacqueline Snyder, (11:00)

“You don’t always need more people and more things. You get to raise the value.”
— Jacqueline Snyder, (14:09)

“This season isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what works. And it all starts right now in October.”
— Jacqueline Snyder, (20:12)

Actionable Challenge (19:30)

• Jacqueline’s weekly Product Boss Challenge:
  • Choose ONE of the three steps and take action today:
    • Focus on what’s already selling.
    • Get in front of other people’s audiences.
    • Raise your average order value.

Resources Mentioned

• Product Boss Sales Accelerator: Live training and group support for scaling product sales with clarity and momentum (See show notes / productboss.com).
• Invitations to subscribe, review, and share the podcast with fellow makers or product business owners.

Structure and Flow Recap

This episode serves as a step-by-step workshop for product entrepreneurs seeking actionable, non-gimmicky tactics to maximize their holiday sales without burning out or relying strictly on audience growth. Jacqueline’s expert tone, practical examples, and emphasis on mindset combine to form a motivating guide—perfect for both new and experienced business owners facing Q4 stress.

Next episode teaser:
See you next week for Part Two: “Hope is not a Strategy—How to Set Yourself Up for the Best Q4 Yet.”