Thursday, July 19, 2012

Summertime Blues

Hey Folks!  I hope you are enjoying your Summer.  I know I have been.  Business has been steady, but it could be better.  It seems there is always a lull during the Summer.  It's not for my lack of trying, but it seems like potential clients and decision makers have two speeds in the Summer - "slow" and "reverse"!

So what can you do to offset this?  Here's a few ideas:

1. Expect it and plan for it.  There is always going to be the challenge of trying to reach clients, but it is caused by them being away on vacation.  You can't reach them if they are not near the phone.  So set up a plan of action in the spring that you can work on gradually.  Offer them a value and get a deposit to make sure they are committed.  Then send them interim updates as your project progresses.  Collect the balance in the fall!

2. Put 5% of every job aside in a vacation club.  Setting aside some money in a SEPARATE account will give you the discipline needed to save for a vacation of your own!  Hey - You've earned it!  After vacation is over - keep the account open as a Christmas Club!

3. Offer a "Summer Blowout" or "Back to School" Special.  I don't know about you, but I would rather have something than nothing.  By offering a seasonal special, you can encourage new clients to try your products or services and by listing it as a seasonal special, you can maintain rate integrity during busy seasons.

4. Take a part time job. There are lots of Summer jobs available that may not pay what you want, but they could fill your income gap and help you maintain your financial commitments.  Jobs at resorts, pools, camps, seasonal markets, farming co-ops, etc are available and are usually pretty flexible.  Also - it may be a great way to turn that part-time boss into a full time client of your business once they see how awesome you are!

5. Clean out your work space.  Get organized!  Clean off you desk, sort through your files and discard what's no longer in use.  Send e-mail to old prospects, follow up send notes to old clients saying "We want yo back" and offer them your seasonal special.  Remove the clutter from your work and your life.  You may just find that number you lost months ago!

6. Review YOUR vendor deals.  Look at every supplier you have and compare prices with other vendors and negotiate better deals.  Cell phone service, internet providers, cable TV, office supplies, insurance, mortgage, etc.  You could save hundreds even thousands annually.

I hope these tips have helped.  So go out there and be awesome and remember to take some time for your self and your Family this Summer.  See you in the Fall!

-Pete

4 comments:

  1. Yo Pete,

    Seems to me crime rates go up in the summer. At least we are busy in the DA's Office, never ends.

    But, busy for me is good, but, not good for society if ya get my drift.

    Things are always interesting here, hardly a dull moment.

    John O.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hea Pete, Great advice! In slow times, I catch up on cleaning and organizing my office.

    ReplyDelete