Summer can be a rough time of year for some smaller businesses. It really depends on location and whether you have a large tourist population. If you don’t, then summer can be a struggle. School is out and for several months, a normal schedule doesn’t exist. Families leave for vacation, trips to the beach, or go to camp.
Because the normal schedule is disrupted, it can slow down a small business who is already trying to grow. You don’t have to take this slowdown laying down, either. There are things you can do to improve your business while preparing for the rest of the year. Here are 3 things small businesses can do to overcome the summer slowdown:
1) Slow Times Aren’t Necessarily Bad
If you have times of the year when you’re really busy, having a slower season isn’t necessarily bad. It gives you, your employees, and the business as a whole time to catch your breath. Catch up on inventory. Do some upgrades to the building. You have the time to learn new ways to revamp your marketing. Convince your staff to use their vacation time during these months.
By using this time to prepare, you’re rested and ready to go for when the busy season kicks into gear. The last thing you want to do is go into it unprepared. So, lean into this time and take advantage of the opportunity.
2) Look at New and Innovative Marketing Techniques
There are plenty of ways to boost business during the summer months. If you run a restaurant, consider buying a food truck, having outside events, or sponsoring a catered party. Look for new ways to expand your horizons a bit. Reach out in new and fun ways. You can even change your business model slightly.
One great way to expand business during the summer is to promote summer events. Do promotions that draw large crowds. Buy a smoke pit and have a BBQ. Put together a weekend or sidewalk sale. Whatever it is you chose to do, draw your audience to you and build brand awareness.
3) Fill Seasonal Needs
There are a lot of businesses that cater to the needs of the people during different seasons. For example, you’ll have a landscaping company that mows lawns and does landscaping in the spring and summer also remove snow in the winter. They have figured out how to relevant all year long to serve the people of their community.
If you suffer a severe shortage of customers during the summer, find a way to stay open. Do something else. Change up your business model. This is a great time to get creative and make extra money rather than just closing shop until it gets busy again. It might even help to talk with your employees about ideas they may have.
