With Black Friday looming a few days away, we thought we might offer a "Survivor's Guide" to the big event. Those of you that are a fan of the Survivor TV show might relate to these survival tips. We say that because surviving Black Friday is, in many ways, similar to surviving the quirky TV reality show. Black Friday shoppers, after all, need to be as prepared as survivor TV show contestants, because if they aren't, like unprepared TV contestants, there's little chance in winning the big prize. And winning the big prize after all, is what Black Friday shopping is all about! THE GOAL: To outwit, outplay and out shop your competition in the Earth's largest display of raw shopping frenzy. THE GAME: Not for the faint of heart and only those willing to sacrifice and demonstrate nerves of steel stand a chance of bringing home the gold! We're talking about BLACK FRIDAY, the day after Thanksgiving and the biggest shopping day of the year. For some the game is a tribe-bonding ritual. For others it is a quest for individual immunity. If you're planning on hitting the stores early on Friday after Thanksgiving Thursday, you must have a plan. Here's some sound advice from past survivors of the annual Black Friday game who have mastered the art of bargain shopping. Dress for the Game Who knows where you'll go or how long you'll be there. Needless to say, wearing high heels and tight skimpy clothes to a buffalo stampede is not a great idea. Comfort and utility should be your style, not high fashion. Be the Leader Being tapped the leader isn't always the greatest strategy, but in this scenario it's crucial. Do your store and product research, know what you are going after and then map out an itinerary. It should include time frames for each store (some stores only offer certain products at certain hours of the day). Create an Alliance A tight tribe can conquer any challenge better than one lone survivor. Make sure everyone in your tribe is clear on their shopping tasks, sale times and understand completely that they cannot be sidetracked by other alluring sales. Beware of Betrayals Read the fine print of ads, sales offerings and rebates before you drop the dollars. Many a survivor has been betrayed by empty promises that just don't pan out. Keep the Immunity Idol It sounds cold hearted but this is survivor shopping. In the true spirit of the day you must be is counter productive on Black Friday. No need to be rude here - just fast and focused. Vote Off the Weakest Link Look closely at your shopping plan and evaluate which item is the least important to obtain. Can you purchase the item at a later date for about to the same price? If not, then cross it off your list. Remember you are here for the big prize. Food Rewards Hello...it's the day after Thanksgiving! You shouldn't need any food for a week. Don't waste precious shopping time on eating out. But if you must, carry energy bars and bottled water to replenish your shopping-ravaged. Win the Rewards Believe it or not, your best survivor shopping plan may be to stay at home in your jammies and do you gift buying online. Internet companies are battling to compete with major retailers and large box stores for your shopping dollars by offering rewards such as free shipping, two for the price of one items, free gift cards for future purchases. Successful survivor shoppers will hit the internet starting at midnight on Thanksgiving night and shop all night. They'll be home cozy and comfy in bed while you stand outside locked store doors in line - on a potentially cold and dark morning. If you have any doubts about your survivor shopping stamina, this is the best course of action for you. Give the Second Car Away Even the game of survivor has its karma. In the TV version of Survivor, stats indicate that whoever wins the car never wins the game. You might even out your karmic odds if you show a generous side to your frenzy shopping. Take that bonus gift card or extra two-for-one gift and give it to someone who really needs it. Survivor All Stars You've done it - you've outwitted, outlasted and outshopped your competition. But once you've played the game, it's in your blood forever. Now you have to get in shape for the upcoming January inventory sales! Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Shopping!