We can feel it coming in the air . . . Summertime! The season brings a slowdown to many businesses, as thoughts turn to vacations and weekend picnics, rather than emails and to-do lists.
Lazy summer days mean less meetings, relaxed deadlines, and a general acceptance that people are enjoying some down time. Take advantage of this period to grow your business. How? Try tackling some of the projects below and see results blossom.
Website
Give your website a facelift. Make sure you have the most recent and correct information on it. Consider how the site is optimized for mobile devices. Freshen the images; add a seasonal graphic here and there to keep the site relevant. Make sure the site links to all of your social media accounts.
Social Media
Determine which social mediums are best for your business. Learn how they work. Research tools that make ongoing social media management easier throughout the year.
Start a simple e-mail newsletter. They keep your name and any specials or news in front of prospects and customers.
Write. Document some ideas for blogs, newsletters, and social media postings. Map them out in an editorial calendar to prepare for busier months. Build an archive of content so you aren't trying to churn ideas on a daily basis throughout the year.
Filing and Organization
Do some summer cleaning and get organized. Clutter creeps into businesses and drains energy. Reorganize paper files and computer files. Update software and run virus scans. Delete old programs. Archive material and files you no longer need. Clean your e-mail folders.
Business Planning
Map out your strategy for business direction, marketing plans and business goals for the remainder of the year. Reflect on what has worked, what needs to be improved, and what you are going to do next.
Do something nice for your employees. Have a potluck/recipe contest, decorate the work area for the 4th of July, or bring in ice cream and toppings for a surprise afternoon sundae bar. Consider an off-site planning meeting that includes a fun activity for attendees.
Update any emergency procedures. Ensure you have back-ups that work. Store key documents in a safe place. Check insurance coverages and emergency contact lists.
Training
Acquire new skills. Use the summer to learn new software, take a finance class, or improve your marketing efforts.
Networking
Find ways to give business to others during this slow period. Fewer people at networking events means a better chance of forming solid relationships.
Enter that stack of business cards on your desk into a useable database or spreadsheet.
Reconnect wth your best contacts. Working with trusted colleagues is a good way to gain ideas, share resources, and grow your business.
Take your customers out! Treat your best customers to a cookout at a local park, a day at a winery, or charter a boat for an afternoon of fishing. Whatever you choose, your clients will surely appreciate the gesture.
Marketing and Promotions
Take part in summer festivals and fairs. Identify events that are a good fit for your business and have a track record of success. Sponsoring or participating is great for your brand and can introduce you to new and potential customers.
Run a contest. Summer is supposed to be fun, after all. Contests make for great publicity. Brainstorm with employees to come up with ideas. Tie the prize to something that incentivizes people to frequent your business.
Refresh your marketing materal. Look at your business cards, brochures, profiles, and signage. Update for maximum impact.
Still dreaming of that extended vacation? Let us know; our team can tackle these projects and more while you enjoy some much-needed down time.
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