When summer heats up, some businesses cool down and with staff rotating in and out of on summer vacations, it’s easy to fall victim to the “lazy days of summer.”
But you can make the slower pace work for your small business by taking time to re-organize and plan for the busy fall season.
Here are a few tips to help you be productive and finish those projects you may have put on the backburner.
Widen your network – When business slows down during the “dog days of summer”, use the extra time to catch up on all the networking you missed out on this year.
Start by replying to those emails for coffee that have been sitting in your inbox over the last few months. This is a great time to re-acquaint yourself with your staff by arranging lunch meetings or casual get-togethers. You can also expand your organizational knowledge by talking with people in various roles within and outside of your company.
De-clutter your clutter –We’ve all heard of spring cleaning, but in the workplace, summer cleaning can help clear your office and your mind. Use down time to organize files and de-clutter your office. Clear out things you don’t need so you’re organized and can access information quickly when time is of the essence. Don’t forget about your computer too. Re-organizing file folders on your hard drive is equally as important as the physical folders in your office.
Re-finance your finances – It’s an excellent time to review budgets and finances in a relaxed and objective manner. You’ll find a new perspective can bring valuable insights. Take this time to revise and update financial plans and strategies before your company’s annual budgeting period begins.
Beef up your staff–Most businesses find hiring slower in the summer months (if not at a complete halt). This is the perfect time to filter through the stack of resumes and applications you received over the course of the year.
Take the time to look at the needs of your company versus just the qualifications of the applicants. Prepare a list of qualified talent, so when it’s time to interview you’re not struggling to fill positions.
Don’t let the lazy days of summer get the best of you – or your business. Ramp up your productivity just a bit and you will coast into fall recharged and ready for success!
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