Summer is approaching quickly. If you haven’t created a summer plan for your business, there’s no time like the present. After all, summer is the time for fresh perspectives … to refuel, refresh, reinvigorate, and restart.
Here’s how to create a summer plan for your business.
1. Take stock of your market
No matter how successful your business may be today, you’ve got to continually assess your market in order to stay on top. Before the summer is in full swing, take stock of what’s happening in your market: Scan your competitor’s websites and press releases. Have they launched new products or changed their pricing? How are your own sales doing? Are there any new consumer trends that may impact your business?
Take some time to chat with your biggest clients and customers. Find out if they’re facing any new challenges – you might just discover a new way your business can serve their needs (and it’s better to figure that out before the competition!).
2. Refresh your social profiles
Is your LinkedIn page up to date? Is your contact information on Facebook or Twitter current? Now is a great time for a profile facelift … whether that’s updating your most recent work history on LinkedIn, asking a client for a reference quote, or putting a little more spice into your brief Twitter bio.
3. Learn something new
Have you been wondering what QR codes are all about? If your business should be using mobile coupons or what does “Pin It” mean? There’s no shortage of new technologies to learn these days, so why not take some time to add to your digital business arsenal? Make a goal to master one new area … for example how to use Pinterest for your business. Take an online course, sign up for a seminar, or hire a teenager to teach you!
4. Get your legal house in order
It’s undeniably the least glamorous part of your business, but don’t overlook the legal aspects of your business. Many small business owners choose to form an LLC to protect their personal savings and property from any liability. It used to be expensive and time-consuming to file for an LLC, but this is no longer the case.
5. Try out a personal assistant
As an entrepreneur, you’re going to have to wear many hats. But that doesn’t mean you’re going to enjoy or excel at every aspect of your business. Some tasks (like bookkeeping or blogging) are bound to be a major drain on your time and well-being. Recognize where you’re struggling and look for an alternative such as hiring help or asking a friend or family member to pitch in. You’ll be freeing up your time for other important areas where you shine.
6. Rest and recharge
Perhaps most importantly, take some time for yourself this summer. Turn off the phone for a few hours. Put the laptop away for a day and head to the beach. Or find a great last-minute deal on a vacation.
New experiences and relaxation are so important to our brains and well-being. A great vacation in the summer will help you stay focused and motivated as your business heads into the fall. And a change of scenery can stoke your creativity – who knows what brilliant new plan you’ll hatch once you step outside the daily grind?
Enjoy your summer!
Great post as always Nellie – especially the rest and recharge which I hope to plan for soon. Thanks for sharing on Bizsugar.com
Hi Sian – I totally agree! Vacations, whether they’re a staycation or traveling abroad – are needed so that you can really recharge and come back with a sharper focus! Thanks for sharing on Twitter!