June 11 2014
Prospering during the Summer Lulls
Ahh summer. We all know what that means, right? Time for beaches, cookouts and fireworks. Unfortunately for many small shops-the summer months also means a drop in business as clients temporarily set aside their projects for a little fun in the sun.
But your hard work doesnt have to wither away. With a little planning, you can ensure that your income keeps cooking from May to September. All it takes is a little ingenuity to keep your customers engaged! Ready to learn how to beat the heat? Heres five ideas to get you started!
Give Summer Workshops:
Lets face it-part of what makes the summer so appealing appeal is the chance to escape from a serious case of cabin fever. Especially when you consider the particularly harsh winter that most of us endured this year. Why not give your clients a chance to get out by offering summer workshops? Its a great way to teach clients new skills. Plus, it gives potential new customers the chance to see you in action! The opportunities are endless, from hangout chats about photography to onsite cooking demonstrations.
Offer A Summer Sale:
Who doesnt love a great bargain, right? Were all familiar with the awesome summer sidewalks sales. Why not offer one of your very own? Consider offering a summer special for new clients where you serve up fresh deals on your most popular services? Its a perfect way to create a sense of urgency without seeming overly pushy.
Update Your Marketing to Attract New Customers:
We all know that summer is the perfect time for vacation getaways. But many of us, this is the also the best opportunity to work on our properties for maximum curb appeal. And just like our homes could use a new coat of paint to keep things fresh-so could your marketing materials. Use the lean season to tidy up your website and business cards. Revitalize your brand identity with a new logo. Doing so will give you a jump on attracting customers when business picks up again. Plus, you can reach out to customers with the changes as a conversation starter.
Grow your Business by Picking up a New Skill:
We all know that this is the best time of year to release the latest innovation. Which is why you should consider using this time to invest in yourself by picking up a newfangled skill. From catching up on coding to streamlining your billing processes (like with our very own Pancake!), you can proudly share this knowledge with your customers.
Get Out There!
Yep! Were totally giving you permission to leave the house and enjoy the sun yourself. True. Its a wonderful way to ensure that you have a little fun. But every new face you meet is also a potential business opportunity. So, go ahead. Grab your business cards and your sunscreen. Just be sure to make your time out of the office count.