I find many smaller online retailers eschew Black Friday + Cyber Monday, and as a result end up doing very little, if any sales.

There is NO reason that any small retailer should do this, unless it is part of a completely deliberate strategy (and don't let anyone tell you that REI's anti-black friday store closing is NOT part of a marketing strategy).

Remember. You started your business not only to do what you love, and follow your passion but to make money. If that sounds gross, or greedy. It's not. We're all entitled to make a profit, and have the wealth that we dream of. There is nothing wrong with that feeling. Embrace it.

How you go about maximizing Black Friday + Cyber Monday can be uniquely you.