Summer is right around the corner – and if you’re in business, you know what that means…the dreaded summer slowdown. It seems like everyone is on vacation and plans are put on hold until fall.
When it feels like “normal” life as you knew it has slowed to a crawl, it can be pretty challenging to stay motivated and productive. Here’s the good news – summer is a great time to build some serious momentum in your business.
Follow these five tips and you’ll be in the best position to propel forward…
1. Plan in advance.
If you know summer is a slow time for your business, start researching potential clients. You can use social media or in-person networking events to build new business opportunities. And don’t forget about your current clients – just because many of them might be focused on other tasks and taking time off doesn’t mean you can’t reach out to them with a quick call or thoughtful note.
2. Switch up your schedule.
Who said you had to miss out on lazy summer afternoons and days spent chilling at the beach? Don’t be afraid to switch up your schedule to accommodate fun summertime activities. If you haven’t already, determine when you’re most productive. Then plan key activities during that time to maximize productivity. If you’re a small business owner, it’s pretty likely that one of the reasons you got into business in the first place was to be your own boss. So, grab the reins and take back your schedule!
3. Delegate or outsource more.
If you’re like most business owners, you’re probably working too hard anyway. Summer can offer you an excellent opportunity to delegate some of your work. If you’re finding it a challenge to switch up your schedule to enjoy all that summer has to offer, odds are good that you need to start delegating more. Moreover, delegating will allow you to cross off tasks from your to-do list, freeing up your time to focus on what really matters – like getting some R&R or focusing on new ways to generate revenue, without working so many hours.
4. Put technology to work for you.
Face it – you’ve probably spent hours on end staring at that same old computer screen in your office. What you need is a change of scenery, and since it is 2015, you’ve got all the tools to help you get out into a fresh environment for a while. Smart phones, tablets, and virtually unlimited Wi-Fi make it easier than ever to work outside, at a local cafe, or from a remote location. And who knows, maybe you’ll meet a new prospect out there!
5. Get in on the fun!
If most everyone else is enjoying the sun – why aren’t you?! Business owners can easily get overwhelmed trying to handle the daily grind. If you don’t take a break once in a while, it’s easy to get burned out. If you haven’t already, plan a vacation or a couple weekend getaways to recharge. Unplugging from your business for a few days will help you refresh, and you’ll come back more productive and creative when you return.
If you use the summer slowdown to your advantage, it can actually turn out to be a time of tremendous growth for your small business. With these easy tips, you can turn the dreaded summer slowdown into a summer of success!
Tell me, what are you looking forward to this summer? Share your comments below.
Image courtesy of jannoon028 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Great tips!
Thanks for the comment Derrick! Which one (ones) will you use to keep momentum and enjoy the summer?