Written By Susannah Caviness - May 11 2020
Clients dropping off? Are your orders not coming in hot like they used to? It's easy to enter panic mode and freeze up during pandemic season (or any slow season for that matter). Personally, when things aren't BUSY I have a hard time seeing the bigger picture. But, there is a lot we can do during an off-season to put us ahead and in a better position with our businesses for when things do pick back up (and they will!).
Here are 5 things you can do during a slow period.
1. All that admin work you've been putting off
Taxes, writing your FAQs, working on an updated employee handbook, bookkeeping, making templates, updating contracts... you get it. This is all backbone work. The stuff that creates sustainability. What keeps getting pushed aside? Now is the time to tackle it.
2. Check in with your past clients
If you don't have a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database or a spreadsheet / client list, see above and make one! Now is a great time to check in with people who ghosted or who weren't ready to move forward at the time. At Tower Press, we have a spreadsheet that keeps track of every single inquiry we receive, which makes it easy to reference during a slow month. Maybe reach out, offer a coupon code!
3. Work on digital content and media
I don't know about you guys, but I am always putting off product photos. Sometimes when it comes time for me to post on our Instagram, I have to look around the room and see what I can quickly snap a photo of. A slow period is a perfect opportunity to get the bulk of your social media content mapped out, update your website with new photos, blog, and work on newsletters that you can schedule to send later.
4. De-clutter
And I don't just mean that junk drawer that we all have. De-cluttering your mind is just as, if not more, important. But yes, tackle that junk drawer too! When a workspace is chaotic, it means chaos to the mind as well. A clean, peaceful space will help you focus and feel more relaxed.
5. REST!
Pretty self-explanatory right? We all need it. Create a new routine that prioritizes your sleep, rest, and you-time and when things start to pick up, you'll be more adept at handling everything the Universe throws at you.
I know it's hard to stay focused on business when sales just aren't where you'd like them to be. I have tried hard lately to understand that my self-worth doesn't come from the success of my business, and that success doesn't always mean money in the bank. These are small steps, but they're important ones. Maintaining a strong foundation for your brand creates longevity. The small things we do add up, and when we get to a post-COVID world, you'll be more than ready.
3. Work on digital content and media 