With the seasonal rush of business that is typical to most businesses in the Spring, Summer and early Fall most of us are looking at a little more “free” time coming into the colder months. The question was raised at a meeting of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce Business Before Breakfast, “How are you preparing your business for the winter?” What seemed like a simple question raised some very helpful and insightful answers.
1- RELAX- Some use this time just to recharge, take vacations and spend time with neglected family members. Others noted eating differently, taking more vitamins and using different products for skin and hair. It is
time to use that gym membership to overcome seasonal blues. It might also be a good time to get some of those PERSONAL projects completed like renewing a passport, revising your will, or painting a room.
2- LEARN- Taking classes to improve knowledge and skills was discussed. Reading those important trade journals and the latest business book are a great use of a little extra time. Getting a new designation or learning a new computer program, contact management system or IPhone app were suggested
3- EDUCATE- An informed customer is the best customer. Developing materials to explain your industry with statistics or helpful tips was mentioned. Other ideas included writing a series of blogs or designing a class or seminar to be pulled out when needed. A good use of this time might include becoming a Though Leader and developing a resource library to use later when opportunities present themselves but when your time might be tight to prepare. Some industries had seasonal products or services that they needed to communicate to their target markets….gym memberships, heat tape for roofs, snow plow offers.
4- ORGANIZE- Updating data bases, ordering depleted supplies, redoing marketing materials, updating websites, cleaning out files were thought to be good use of the slower time of year.
5- CONNECT- From contacting past clients to client appreciation, thank you gifts and holiday cards, the consensus was that it is not the best time to hibernate. It is the time to cement and foster existing relationships with clients and referral partners as well as with staff and co-workers.
6- PRIORITIZE- Most people think of this time of business planning and that this is a crucial but laborious activity. Think of it instead as a time to decide which activities, organizations, products, and habits you are going to STOP doing so that you can concentrate on what is IMPORTANT to you and the growth of your company.
7- PLAN FOR GROWTH- The slow part of the year is the time to hire and train staff. This is the time to prepare for expansion to investigate a new business model or try out a new computer system or product. During the rest of the year you will not have the time or energy.
In summary, don’t waste this time of year by lamenting how slow your business is. Be prepared to work remotely when roads are treacherous but how you use these next 4 months…November, December, January and February will set the foundation for your business for the rest of the year. Think of this as your opportunity to work ON yourself and your business while the rest of the year is working predominantly IN your business. It is only through growing yourself, your ideas and your skills that you will you grow your business and this time of year provides you the space you need to do just that.