Here in Bucks County, we are officially in “Spring”, a time when all the “work” that was being done underground finally comes out into bloom! Do you ever notice though that we never holler at the trees or the bushes for “taking too long”? They do EXACTLY what they are meant to do. And the only way they can bloom is when “work” is happening behind the scenes (or underground). But, did you know there are ALSO go through 4 seasons of business??
Nature is one of the BEST reminders to us of how our life and business has 4 seasons, too. Trees need time to nurture themselves, to hibernate, to grow AND to shed – it’s the circle of life.
This was a lesson I learned a few years back and sometimes have to remind myself of.
4 Seasons of Business and WHAT to Do During Each Season
Winter
This is the time when business is kind of “cold” and “quiet”. A lot of NEW business isn’t coming through the doors. As a business owner, this is usually the HARDEST season to go through. Why? Because it’s in “winter” that we often feel like “giving up” because things “just aren’t working.” But what happens when a tree or flower bulb is in winter? It’s actually working “behind the scenes” and preparing for “Spring.” Winter is the time to reflect and gain insights for the next growth cycle.
If your business is in Winter, how can you be “preparing” right now for Spring?
You can use this time to make plans and work on building up your network and centers of influence. Make “plans” on HOW you will improve your services, offerings or pricing model. Keep your head up and keep moving forward knowing that “Spring” is right around the corner!
Spring
This is usually the “season” in which you feel MOST excited! It’s the time in which you get to experience the fruits of your labor. You’ll start getting more phone calls, inquiries and requests in your business. More people may be interested in joining your team or partnering with you. It’s the season of “growth”, which makes it feel so “exciting” – like things REALLY are gonna work!
During Spring, be sure you can handle the influx of new business.
Be certain you are providing excellent customer service and exceed your customer’s expectation. When we exceed our customer’s expectations and keep our customers happy, it will lead to referral business, which is one of the main ways your business will grow. But be AWARE that when you experience such a GREAT shift, problems WILL arise. Do NOT get discouraged. USE those experiences to improve your systems for the next Spring.
Summer
This is the time in which things may feel more relaxed and comfortable for your business. You are getting a steady stream of business, but you are not overwhelmed like you may have been in Spring. Most people in “summer” approach things in a more relaxed laid-back way.
This is a GREAT time to allow more creativity to come to you.
How can you improve your services? Or perhaps think up “new” ways to enhance your business. When you “allow” yourself to be and feel more “relaxed” the “pressure” of plowing through is gone and this is what allows creativity to flow.
Fall
During this season your business might experience a slight decrease as you are getting close to the “cold” (winter) season again. But do NOT allow that to deter you FROM doing the work!
This is the BEST time to “plant the seeds” that will become your Spring growth!
Increase your marketing efforts, get out in front of more people, speak your message to the masses. Also make sure you are “harvesting,” through follow-ups and nurturing of people in your business sphere.
Now, I do NOT want you to mistake the seasons of business with the “actual” seasons outside! Each of us has a unique business (let me explain)!
For some people, actual “Summer” is their busiest (Spring) season in a business because they work with renters, rental properties and shore homes.
For some, “Winter” can be the busiest season because they have more requests due to the high demands of the “holidays” …
Each season can vary in length of time AND time of year (as I shared above), but most businesses experience all 4 seasons at some point in the life of their business.
The key is to stay focused and realize nothing lasts forever and learn to cultivate and appreciate all 4 seasons!
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Welcome readers! If this is your first time reading my blog, thank you for stopping by! As a concierge who has built a successful business, I have decided to help other budding entrepreneurs do the same! As the Founder of The Concierge Academy, I write about specific topics and marketing strategies that Work for our industry!
It’s not always easy to build a service-based business. Many see it as an intangible, but you can build a profitable and flourishing concierge business!
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