Summer is winding and with that, it means you're either extremely busy or you may find yourself with some downtime! For some industries, business may be crazy right now! However, I know for other industries, you may find that this time of year is a bit slower....
Taking advantage of the slow times can help keep your business organized and ahead of the competition! These slower times can be valuable opportunities for businesses to optimize their operations and enhance their long-term success. By proactively utilizing these periods, businesses can emerge stronger, more resilient, and better prepared to thrive when activity picks up again.
Today's blog I'll briefly discuss ways to combat the disorientation that comes when work is slow!
As someone who’s used to – and enjoys – feeling at capacity most of the time, I wasn’t sure what to do with myself when things slowed down a bit earlier this year. I began by cleaning out every closet in the house, a task which actually turned out to be quite rewarding.
After a while, though, it occurred to me that this newly found time is rare and temporary. So I decided to take more deliberate steps to improve things here at headquarters.
If you’re interested in doing the same, here’s what I recommend:
1. Examine your business from the outside in. Listen to your outgoing voicemail message – is it friendly and clear? Look at your email signature – is your phone number included? When was the last time you read your website homepage? Or subscribed to your own newsletter to see what happens?
2. Check out your LinkedIn profile. Make sure your profile picture is a professional head shot and that it’s up to date. Ask for those recommendations you’ve been thinking about.
3. Post past content. If you’ve got past newsletters that are not yet up on your website as well, take steps to add them.
4. Clean up “tolerations.” You know, those annoying little things that you are still putting up with. Are you always struggling to find client phone numbers? Do you keep needed supplies in the basement instead of near your desk? Is there a pile of papers in the corner that you’ve ignored for months (years?)? Take the time now to handle these little annoyances.
5. Organize your desk. Take everything off (yes, everything) clean it thoroughly, and only add back what you need.
6. Review your finances. Why wait until tax time to organize your expenses? Bring them up to date now.
7. Plan your next big project. What are you waiting for? Jump in!
For people who are used to being at capacity, a little down time can be disorienting. So yes, make sure you relax. But when you’re ready to jump back in, take advantage of the opportunity to take your business to the next level.
I solve one big problem for my solo and small business clients: I take some of the stress out of running a business and give back the flexibility and time they've been missing in their life and business.
When you work on your own, it's all up to you. My role is to handle all the details and all the minutiae - the things you hate doing - so that you can get back to work.
Learn more about my services here.
Click here to schedule a free 30-minute consult with me!