It’s inevitable that every business goes through up and downs during the year. Businesses often welcome the fast-paced times that bring in surges of profit, but are more hesitant to embrace the slower times. Fret not. A slow period is actually a wonderful opportunity to use “housekeeping” tasks to create a stronger business foundation. To kick start your long-term business success, we’ve provided some inspiration for your “to do” list.

1. Get organized!

Here are the most common areas to tackle:

• Important files and compliances: When you’re busy, it’s easy to lose sight of those documents you need on hand at all times. Make sure you have copies of all required policies (i.e. insurance, lease, certifications) in hard copy and that they are current. If any documents are close to expiring, do what you need to do NOW in order to update them. Doing so will prevent a situation where you can’t operate your business because you didn’t make time to keep required forms up-to-date.
• System upgrades and new software investment: Take a critical look at all the systems that help your company run. Are they completely effective and efficient? Sometimes doing a necessary software update may fix any bugs and glitches that are tripping you up. However, in some instances, you might realize that your business has an entirely new set of needs than when you first installed these systems.
  If that’s the case, it may be time to invest in new software. New software, especially for automated accounting systems, may enhance your business in ways that far exceed the initial investment. If the software can do exactly what you need it to do (organize payroll, streamline tax time, provide accurate financial projections), you instantly become a stronger business – and that’s worth every penny.
• New process implementations: Examine your internal business flow carefully and find those areas that can be tweaked to create more efficiency. For example, an employee profitability spreadsheet may make it easier to determine how time is being spent, and how better to allocate your resources. Or perhaps carving out time in the office for quick daily meetings could cut down on time lost on internal emails. These very small changes can have huge outcomes for positive change.

2. Update your blog and get social

With a little extra time on your hands, there is almost no better way to spend it than to build your business content. Put a blog on your website and start populating it with smart content that positions you as an industry expert. Take to the blog and write about things that are happening in your industry right now and matter most to your customers. Incorporate research, your own focus group findings, and create original content (like shareable videos) that people can’t wait to see.

Then, with amazing blog content at your fingertips, it’s time to repurpose. Take your most exciting tidbits and create posts for Facebook and tweets for Twitter. Of course, make these different for each audience and make them visual! People on social media won’t take the time to read the longer blog posts, so make these bite-sized pieces of content fun and exciting.

3. Redefine your marketing strategy

This is a big one. More often than not, businesses create their fleshed out marketing plans early in formation. When is the last time you revisited your plan? Things may have changed since then, and it’s necessary to reflect this in your strategy. Ask yourself these questions:

• Is your marketing objective still the same? If so, is it still working or does it need a new definition?
• Has the scope of your target audience changed? If the person you are trying to reach has a different face, shouldn’t you adjust your voice?
• Are your marketing outlets still working? If you mapped out your marketing plan five years ago, it may look drastically outdated without the channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) that you rely on now. Make sure your mission has the right vehicles.

4. Create a calendar

Use this headspace time to map out your calendar for the upcoming year. What deadlines and tasks need to happen in certain months? Carve out regular times to meet with your accountant (not just at tax time), and meet with other key stakeholders proactively. With a well-thought-out calendar that incorporates all your upcoming business needs, you will have a roadmap that will help you feel secure and organized throughout the year. This is especially helpful when things speed up and you are back on the fast track!

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