Most businesses have their own slow season, so it’s not a surprise when it happens year after year. While you could spend your slow time vegging out in front of the television and hanging out with friends, I recommend that you continue to work on your business, so you come back stronger than in years past.
Of course, while you can wait until the slow season to begin to plan, there are a few things you can do now to prepare for the upcoming slow season.
What You Need to Do Now to Work on Your Business in the Slow Season
- Be Constantly Aware and Document Areas for Improvement
During the busy season, it’s likely that problems with systems and processes become evident. These are the times that you become frustrated. Pay attention to them, because these are the things to consider improving when you have time to focus on them.
As you are working, keep a pad of paper nearby, or have an easily accessible list on your phone. Jot it down immediately so that you don’t forget what that frustration was when it comes time to decide where to spend your slow-season energy.
- Get Your Team Involved
The most important members of your team to get involved in improvements are the ones doing the actual work – in the office or out in the field. Ask them what their frustrations are. If you have their involvement, they will feel valued and appreciated, not to mention that their suggested changes could affect your bottom line!
- Ask Your Customers
Start thinking about a survey that you could send out to your customers. Find out what they value in a landscaper or lawn care provider. Also ask them what frustrates them most about the industry. If you ask them in this way, you will get more honest feedback. Feedback that you can actually use to your advantage.
In lieu of a survey, you may want to consider making a list of your top 10 to 20 customers and call them. I’ve done this! It’s quite impactful.
- Analyze Marketing ROI
Marketing should evolve as your business evolves. What worked well last year might not be working as well this year. Slow season is the perfect time to analyze your marketing efforts and see where you can make tweaks to benefit your business the most. The prep that needs to happen now is that – if you aren’t already doing this – ask every new customer how they found you, and track it in your CRM. It’s important to know this information for future growth plans.
These are four things you need to do now to prepare for the slow season of your business. There are other things you can do as well, but these four will allow you to easily come out stronger when your business picks up once again.
