Holiday Downtime
How can you use the holiday slowdown to your advantage?
I’ve historically found that the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are slow (unless you’re in the Christmas cookie business or an Amazon driver!). The number of emails coming in start to dwindle, and the number of out of office notices increase. I started binge-watching Christmas movies at the end of November; yes, I’m a sucker for them, but it’s time to take a break and focus (once this last one is over, I promise!)
Here are our top 10 ideas to use the holiday slowdown to your advantage:
1. Review your client avatar – this is hugely important this year after the transitions we’ve been navigating. How has your avatar changed? Is your message, or are your services in line with where your avatar is now, compared to last year? Spend an afternoon with a pot of tea, and dig deep into who your client is and what you could be doing differently to serve them better.
2. Equally important, how are your clients doing this holiday season? With restrictions on travel and gatherings between households, many will face very quiet (and lonely) holidays. If your clients struggle with anxiety, depression, or recently experienced a loss, reach out with a personal message to remind them they’re not alone.
3. Get organized for January (and beyond). What can you clear off your desk today that you’ve been procrastinating on? I try to start organizing receipts for tax preparation; that way, if a receipt is missing, I’m not scrambling at tax time.
4. Start working on your Content Calendar for the next year, and if you can, start creating non-seasonal messages that you can file away for when you don’t have time to create something new. Not sure where to start? What were the most frequently asked questions from clients or prospects this year? It’s a good place to find inspiration.
5. How did you do on your business goals for this year? I missed the mark on some and exceeded others. Instead of rolling your goals over to next year, what can you do today to bring you closer? Any step forward, regardless how small, is still a step forward.
6. Take a day to look at your competition. What are they doing differently? How can you stand out? Examine their website, product or service offerings, and social media interaction.
7. Examine some of your business processes – are there some that could be automated? I keep a file of instructions I’m frequently asked for (with screenshots), so I can add it to an email quickly. Other messages I’ve chosen to automate to save time and create a consistent experience.
8. Take some courses! Skip a Christmas movie and take an on-demand course to refine a skill you have, or learn one that you wish you had. It’s a gift for you and your business!
9. Take some time off from your business. Now I know I mentioned watching too many Christmas movies, BUT I’m usually scanning my emails and take a break to respond if necessary. Even as a solopreneur, you need to take some time off when you are truly unplugged.
10. Give back – This year, I sent Christmas cards for military personnel who can’t be with their families this holiday, something I’ve never done before. Other suggestions could be to donate to an animal shelter (they’re always in need of items) or a local food bank. Contact your local church to see if they have a family in need and donate an extra Christmas gift.
From the PMA family, we wish you a safe and healthy holiday season.