All businesses have periods of feast and famine. Some businesses experience seasonal slow periods, while others will go much longer before things get quiet. While quiet times in business mean less revenue, there are several ways to remain positive and stay productive. Whether it is during predictable slumps, or amidst uncertainty like the outbreak of the Covid-19 coronavirus, the following are some great ways to stay positive when all is quiet with your business.
Tidy Up
There is rarely time for a good deep clean and reorganization of the office. A slow period is the perfect time to do some cleaning, reorganize your files (both physical and digital), etc. These are all things that need to be done periodically anyway, and tidying up helps to pass the time. You may even get around to discarding some of those dinosaur computer parts and cords that have just been collecting in a dusty tangle.
Innovate New Ideas
During busy times, everything is about being productive and profitable. That's the time when existing procedures and processes are well in place and functioning. A slow period is the best time though to entertain some new ideas and plan for potential improvements within your business.
Grow Relationships
There are plenty of opportunities to grow your business without driving sales. Quiet times may not be the most profitable at the moment, but they give you the chance to do some relationship building. You can grow your relationship with customers, your clients, other employees, suppliers, partners, etc. Taking the time to show your appreciation to them and spend a little time with them (for the time being, virtually, of course!) will only help cement your relationship, which will ultimately be profitable.
Evaluate the Business
This is the time when you can look in-depth at your business from every angle. Perform a SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunities, threats) analysis of your business. Truly and honestly review what's happening, what could happen, and what should be avoided in the future.
Blogging and Social Media
Little Pink Book suggests that this is the perfect time to focus on marketing. Getting active on social media with your business, establishing or expanding your blog for the business, etc. are all great ways to grow your business through a digital presence. If there’s two things our clients always say they never have the time or resources for, it’s blogging and social media. Now that you have the time, put it to good social use!
Spend Time With Loved Ones
Turn off the TV, put down the phone, close the laptop and spend time with close family and friends (the ones you may unintentionally neglect when business is busy). Tackle some home improvement projects, find a fun craft for the entire family, play some card or board games, take the dog for a walk.
Time spent doesn’t have to be in-person either. Fire up Skype or FaceTime friends and family to catch up on the week, cook a meal or watch a movie together, or have a virtual playdate for the kiddos. The Happiness Lab podcast shared some great tips in their newest episode, “Coronavirus BONUS: Beat the Loneliness Blues.”
Practice a Little Self-Care
There's nothing wrong with taking a little time to take care of yourself. Self-care is a very important part of being a good leader, so utilize quiet times in the business to meditate, take a bath, read a good book, go on a long walk or hike, or simply logoff and unplug. Quiet times won’t last forever, no matter the reason for the lull, so allow yourself to enjoy the break because you probably haven’t had one in a long time, and who knows when the next one will be!
We are more than happy to assist your business at any time of year with a marketing strategy that will set your business up for success. Contact us today to help you navigate your business every step of the way.