Can your small, start-up and growing business really afford to do Black Friday?

You’ve seen the headlines. The frenzy. The endless emails.

Black Friday is coming, and for many small business owners, especially those of us in the Black community, it can feel like a wave of anxiety, not opportunity.

The internal dialogue is all too familiar:

• "The big brands have millions for marketing. I'm just me."

• "How can I afford to slash my prices when my margins are already tight?"

• "I don't have a team or a massive advertising budget. I'll just get lost in the noise."

Let’s be real: this isn't 'imposter' syndrome. This is the tangible impact of a disparity in access to finance, to networks, to the "right" opportunities. It can feel like a hurdle too deep to overcome, a game where the rules were written for someone else.

So, we ask the question again, but with a different emphasis: Can your small business afford to do Black Friday?

The answer is a resounding YES, but not by playing the old, solitary game.

The secret isn't trying to compete with the giants on their terms. The secret is understanding that our greatest asset has never been a massive budget. It's the power of our collaboration.

The PR Club at The Business Show - a blueprint for collective success

This isn't a theoretical idea. It’s what we lived and breathed at The Business Show. Instead of four separate, small stands lost in a sea of corporations, we became The PR Club, a unified, powerful presence that commanded attention.

How did we do it? We rejected the lack mindset and leaned into our collective abundance.

1. We had a leader who cleared the path
Nicola Millington of the PR Club didn't just organise a stand; she orchestrated an opportunity. She took the lead, handling the complex logistics and ensuring that the three other women had everything we needed to succeed. She transformed a daunting prospect into a turn-key operation, allowing us to step in confident and ready. This is the power of having a master strategist in your corner—someone who knows the landscape from small companies to multi-million-pound businesses and knows how to ensure you are seen and heard.

2. We leaned into our unique strengths
Within our collective, our individual superpowers flourished. We didn't all have to be video experts, because Chelena Peart of The Virtual Vault Agency is. She created a viral video that didn't just attract people to our stand, it attracted connections from across the globe, proving that brilliant content transcends physical location.

Then, Sharon Gordon created a powerful video with lyrics that spoke directly to our mission and what we all do, forging an emotional connection that pure advertising never could.

3. We activated our social capital

This is the "secret sauce" so often overlooked. Because of Sharon's vast and genuine network, she was able to bring another incredible business owner into our fold, expanding our collective reach and impact. This is the kind of valuable access that money can't buy, but that trust and relationship-building can.

So, Was It Beneficial to Exhibit? Let's Be Clear.

Absolutely. But not just because we had a stand.

We succeeded because we were a movement. We were a testament to what happens when brilliant minds, diverse skills, and unwavering support come together. We proved that the value isn't just in the sale you make on the day, but in the lasting partnerships, the elevated profile, and the undeniable proof that we belong in these rooms.

Nicola’s mastery of PR ensured our story wasn't just seen, it was felt. "Your business can't afford to go it alone anymore."  The question isn't whether you can afford to participate in events like Black Friday or The Business Show. The real question is: Can you afford to keep trying to do it all by yourself?

The model of isolation is broken. The future of small business, especially for those of us who have been systematically overlooked, is collaborative, connected, and fiercely supportive.

You have the passion. You have the product. You have the purpose.

What you need now is the right partner to help you bridge the gap between where you are and the seismic impact you are meant to have. That’s where FP Comms and The PR CLUB come in.

Are you ready to transform your "Lack" into limitless abundance?

If you’re tired of feeling invisible and overwhelmed by the hurdles, it’s time to change your strategy. The power of collaboration, strategic PR, and a community that truly sees you is the most valuable asset you can cultivate.

Let's connect and build your blueprint for success together. We can help you leverage your unique strengths, connect you with the right collaborators, and ensure your business isn't just seen, it’s celebrated.

Click here to build a connection with us. Let's build a relationship that can help you succeed, not just on Black Friday, but for the long term.

Nicola Millington - The PR Club

Sharon Gordon - SG Web Craft

Chelena Peart - The Vault Virtual Agency

Shantelle William - Money Management Academy

Just as a footnote, remember the viral video and the powerful lyrics that got people talking? That’s the power of a collective. Imagine what we could create for you. Let’s talk.