As entrepreneurs and small-business owners, we’ve all been there. April turns into May. Spring turns into summer. The slowdown begins.
I went into this topic on Episode 16 of The Stern Truth podcast – you get the same feeling every year that the momentum is going down. Maybe you’re even torn between spending time outdoors or with your family or working even harder at your business.
The momentum is what you need to keep driving all year long.
The Momentum Piece
Clients, prospects, or potential networking connections have their own schedules. They are most likely on vacation too. Some might not even have Out of Officer responders on, and that can often lead to this dead zone that lasts until the fall.
I have a few tips that I’d like to share that can help you navigate this seasonal momentum.
Tip 1: Embrace the Slowdown
Take advantage of the time that you have during summer. You have to keep that momentum going so when all the clients come back from their time away, you won’t be caught off guard.
That shift from “go, go go” to “slow, slow, slow”? Take it all in. Look at the bigger picture. Re-visit the system and strategies you have in place. What needs refinement?
Tip 2: Connect Creatively
People might not be going on LinkedIn or checking their emails. Take the upper hand during and continue to reach out.
Use lighter touch points, like a short email or text, however you communicate with clients, works wonders. Send them something short but valuable that can help them.
Send them “Hey, hope you’re having a great summer”. Share a post from LinkedIn, Facebook, somkething fun or something you think they would like. Keep that connection nurtured and strong.
Tip 3: Batch and Automate
You’re on your vacation soon yourself, right? Make sure that you batch and automate as much as possible.
Prepare your schedule, send (or schedule) emails ahead of time, get your Out of Office ready to go. Create social content ahead of time and schedule it.
If you have a team, leverage them to check your emails and send light responses. They can also do some basic social media engagement.
Tip 4: Keep Your Time Flexible
Create a schedule that will for you. If you have kids, vacations, dogs to look after, or whatever is on your plate, adjust it.
Shift your schedule to fit it however you need. Want to go kayaking mid-day? Do a few emails first thing in the morning (and beware of holes in the kayak!).
Tip 5: Pick the Low-Hanging Fruit
For some, summer is actually the best time to connect.
Reconnect with past clients. Do some research and development on clients you want. Ask them for feedback. Follow up with old leads. Nurture those relationships as if they were already clients.
Tip 6: Don’t Stop Learning
Block time to work on strengthening your leadership skills (start by listening to The Stern Truth!). It’s a great time to learn a new or specific skill you’ve wanted to master but just haven’t had the time.
Tip 7: Plan for Fall Now
I touched on this earlier but what you want to do is plan for the fall, when business will pick up.
Work on the business. Be prepared for what will come. Spend the time now to work ON your business to be ready for when you’ll be working IN your business.
The Best Leaders Keep Momentum
When we become REALLY busy, we tend to get stuck. Progress can be stagnant and have us wishing that we had more time.
During these slowdown times, we should remind ourselves that this is a great opportunity to get ahead of the game and take advantage of it.
I am also very excited to announce that I am bringing back the ONtrepreneur Bon Fire Series this summer and it is completely free! This program will help you navigate your business and keep momentum going during the summer months.
For more information about this free summer program, or if you find it challenging to run a business during summer, reach out to me at marshall@marshallstern.net for more information.
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