can it? Is summer over yet? For many small businesses, fall or autumn (whatever you call it) is the busiest, busiest, and most important time of the year. How can your small business make the most of the fall?
Of course, as a small business owner, you’ve almost certainly been working all summer. But summer often comes later. Phones ring less often and customers are less demanding. Maybe you’re lucky and have enough (smart) to take a vacation.
Now that the weather is cooler, when the leaves are turning and pumpkins and Halloween decorations are starting to appear on the doorstep, work begins. Clients and customers are calling again, issues are pending, and employees need training. I’m doing it. Retailers are stocking up for the holiday season, and consumers are more likely to make major purchases or home renovations.
How can you make the most of this most productive time of the year? I now have to take 6 steps.
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Many small businesses rely on holiday sales for the majority of their income. If that’s you, get out there and start selling with vengeance.
If you sell to consumers, either retail or service, step up your marketing now. Customers have already purchased holiday gifts and are planning for the holiday season. If your business is a B2B business that relies on holiday sales (such as selling to retailers), get out there and secure your order, whether it’s by phone, email, or face-to-face meeting. Now is the time to focus on marketing.
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Find a way for your customers to buy your products as “gifts”
Of course, the easiest way to do this is to offer a gift certificate. I’m surprised many small businesses don’t. One of my favorite cafes doesn’t offer gift certificates.
However, you might be surprised that people buy this as a gift, even though it offers something that most people wouldn’t consider a gift (for example, a lawyer offering a “property planning package” as a gift). I can’t. If you’re using a POS (point of sale) program, you may already have the option to offer gift certificates.
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Attend or exhibit at a trade fair or conference
Fall is usually the big season for such events, but the pandemic has made them miss a few years. Most people attending conferences and trade fairs are often looking for new products and services. In my business, the biggest source of big customers comes from people I’ve met at industry conferences in the past.
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Stay in touch with your suppliers
Autumn isn’t just for you. Suppliers and vendors are also very busy at this time of year. And they’ve been particularly stressed by disruptions to his chain of supply over the last few years. Communicate regularly with your suppliers so that you can ensure that inventory and raw materials are there when you need them. Please be so.
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make a money reserve
Yes, fall is when you spend a lot of money, but if you’re lucky, it’s also a time when a lot of cash comes in. Maybe it’s the sales you’re making now, or it was your summer. May be. – Seasonal business, and you’re blushing. Don’t spend all your money yet.
Especially this year, with the economy looking uncertain in 2023, having money in the bank would be nice. Create two savings accounts. A low monthly reserve account and a tax account dedicated to the IRS.
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take a motivating action
Do at least one thing today that will propel you forward this fall. Solve one business problem that’s been bugging you for a while. Call one new prospect, or an old prospect you intended to reconnect with. Have a lunch date with a potential referral. Sit down and come up with some marketing ideas.
I know it’s hard to get back to working hard when you still want it to be summer, but fall is the time to make money and afford a beach vacation next year.