Slow months does not have to be unproductive, you just have to use the time to do other things that help keep your business successful…
Which months your business suffers a slow down depends on what type of business it is. Holiday seasons are the most common quiet period, although they are often preceded with a mad rush of customers. For example, the run up to Christmas can be great, but then the lull in the New Years wipes out all the good it has done.
What can you do to keep your business efficient in the slow months, so that when things return to normal you are ready and prepared?
Audit Your Business Systems And Costs
A quiet time is the perfect opportunity to work through all your systems to see if you can make any of them more efficient. Most of your time should be spent running your business, but you may well find there are other tasks you have to do. Teach members of staff some of them while you are not busy, so that in the future you can delegate if you need to.
At the same time you may well identify cost savings. Look at your utility bills to see if there is any way of reducing them, or do you have too many office supplies and if they were managed properly you could cut back on what you have to buy.
Another thing that needs looking at is how your finances are structured. If you have a bank loan or an overdraft, is it the cheapest way to finance your business? There are ways that can save you money, and with the latest technology available, same day loan approval is more than possible. You could get a better interest rate, or be able to shorten the term of your loan.
Updating systems and cutting costs will all get put to one side when business picks up again so do it now while you are quiet and can find the time.
Connect With Customers
Now is when you can make your business more personal by connecting with your customers. Send them an email just asking how they are, or maybe pick up the phone for a chat. Being personal with customers lets you learn their thoughts on your products or services and can help to build a relationship that brings them back time and time again.
Take A Break
As the quiet periods tend to last a couple of months, think about taking a vacation while the business is not so busy. Even just a few days can help to refresh you to be ready for when the mad rush returns.
Have A Plan
Once you have been in business for a couple of years or more, you will be able to identify when your slow periods are. Perhaps it is during this time that you spend more time promoting your brand on social media, or you send out more marketing emails. Having this all planned beforehand will make it a much easier task, and one that can bring great benefits to your business.
A slow period does not have to be unproductive; you just have to use the time to do other things that help keep your business successful.
