For the first years of my business, summer slowed everything to a near halt. It seemed that so many people were taking vacations that they didn’t need much in the way of marketing. For some reason, that’s completely changed over the past few years. Summer has been busier than ever for me, and I’ll admit, I rather wish it wasn’t.
Make the Most of Your Time
If your business is a little slow this time of year, use this time productively. Consider all the projects you’ve been putting off, from organizing your desk (and the stack of papers on top) to tweaking your business or marketing strategy.
Maybe now’s a great time to start writing that book you keep threatening to start., Or catch up on your business reading. Whatever you don’t have time to do the rest of the year, make it your goal to take care of now. (The winter holiday season is another great time to play catchup)
Making Time for Work/Life Balance
If you’re like many entrepreneurs, when you’re busy, you’re extremely busy. There may be months at a time that you work more than 40-hour workweeks and have little time to spend with your family. It’s easy to stay in this rut, even when your workload lightens. Make an effort to disengage from work for a week or so, or just cut out early on Fridays.
If you do take a vacation, take measures to truly go on vacation, and don’t check in on work like 71% of small business owners do. This is your time to completely disconnect. Not only will it bring you closer to your family, but it will also give you fresh perspective on your business.
Trust your staff to handle work in your absence, and plan your activities just before you leave to include letting everyone know you’ll be on vacation, assigning a go-to person to cover for you, and completing any pending projects.
What if Summer is Busy Time?
If you’re like me and have a full schedule but still want to take time off, strategically plan your work schedule. Maybe you work early in the morning or late at night so that you can spend time with your kids while they’re out of school. Working one weekend might allow you to catch up so that you can take a family vacation for a week. Be flexible with your schedule and build in downtime deliberately.
Whatever your summer looks like, manage your time so that you maximize both work and play this time of year.
Vacation Photo via Shutterstock
Usually it tends to be slow, but I’m swamped right now.
I took off 10 days and went to South of France. Luckily the internet connection only worked twice, so I had a real good break 🙂
adam
Its been a rather manic start to the year, so am quite pleased that things have quietened down at the moment, Im taking a holiday in two weeks, no doubt it will go busy again whilst Im away from it!
Miguel - Sharon AV
in the event planning industry the summer is the slowest season for us. but the other seasons tend to make up for it. This summer however we’ve seen a bit of action. The summer is a tme to reflect and regroup for the upcoming season.