Today, June 21st, is the first day of summer. Many people complain business comes to a standstill in the summer. Don’t complain and don’t stand still! Use this “down time” to build your relationships and grow your business.
Here are 5 tips to maximizing your summer while everyone else is sunning, chasing the kids and waiting for the fall for business to pick up.
1. Look through your database or Rolodex and call several former clients, colleagues, networking acquaintances and others that you have not heard from in at least six months. Spend a few days meeting with each one for an early cup of coffee or breakfast at 7:30 or 8 a.m. This helps you to make sure your face time doesn’t interfere with normal business hours and it allows you to catch up. Go to the meeting with the sole intention of reconnecting and nurturing relationships. Use your good listening skills to truly hear what the other person has been doing. Fill them in on your latest projects and accomplishments as they may be able to connect you with fresh opportunities. Together you can help each other cultivate new business. Take time to invest in human communication.
2. Get past the gatekeeper. Receptionists and “gatekeepers” to decision makers usually take vacation in the summer. Sure, the CEO does too, but trust me, they are not out of the office for 8 weeks. When the gatekeeper is gone, try calling the decision maker at 8 AM or 5 PM . You’d be surprised how many answer the phone!
3. Use slow time in the office to clear out the clutter, read articles, monitor industry trends and assess the first six months of the year. What have you accomplished, and where are you going? Are you on track for success? Refine your goals for the rest of the year if necessary. Above all, take time to think and read.
4. Launch your blog! If you’ve been dragging your feet, it’s time to dump the excuses and get started. Begin planting the seeds online to promote your expertise and gain traction. If you are already blogging, look for creative new ideas and topics, work on an editorial calendar and keep writing!
5. Learn and apply technology. Sure it’s overwhelming with all the apps, widgets and gadgets that are available to us. Take baby steps and focus on learning one or two new things that can help you reach your goals. Look at what your competition is doing. Should you be list building, creating videos, using Foursquare, or developing new products and services? It’s tough to do these things when you’re entrenched in the busy season. Take advantage of quiet time to expand your knowledge.
It’s also important that you celebrate your successes. Go back to January 1, 2010 and think about your accomplishments. Take a moment to write them down. You’ll be surprised at how many things you’ve done that may have slipped your mind! This will help you get rejuvenated and excited for the coming months.
By the way, if you really want to learn, sign up for my free 21 day video series, Speaking of Communication.
(Photo Credit: Reggaedori)
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Yes, summer networking and setting up meetings is all the more possible because those not on vacation have more time. i.e., fewer meetings!
Also, listing accomplishments often clarifies what needs to be done and taking baby steps to get started is a great way to make progress.
This is why you’re a leader, Sue – great post!
Thanks so much for a great motivational post – will definitely be trying to up the pace on my blog!
Hi Alex-
Good luck with your blog–please send me a link. I’d like to follow you :)
Susan
Kathy-
Thank you for your kind words! It’s a pleasure to know you!
Susan
My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!
Glad you are on board! What challenges connected with communication would you like to see addressed here? Any particular topic?
Thanks!
Susan