Take A Break And Keep Your Business Growing - 10 Top Tips
As soon as the holiday season approaches, many business owners see things slowing to little more than a crawl
. They maintain just the bare essentials to keep things ticking over until into the New Year. I believe the holidays give you a splendid opportunity to take some quality time for yourself but also to evaluate your business and prepare yourself for a fabulously successful 2011.
Here's a list of the top 10 things you can do to move your business through this slow period with success. If you want to spend quality time with the family, and only focus on just one thing, you'll be well ahead when you welcome in the New Year.
1. Maximize your website. This is your opportunity for you to gather clients and make money 24-7 while you are out having fun. Make sure your web copy is great and speaks to your clients' problems. Create free reports or some videos on hot topics that will act as great lead generation or client attraction tools.
2. Give life to your ezine - or create your first one.
This is one of the most valuable client building tools you can use. It allows you to regularly offer promotions and sales to your warm prospects over a long period of time. If you haven't yet created your own e-zine, then the New Year is a perfect time to release issue number one!
3. Browse your bookshelves for your holiday reading.
If you intend on some lazy days or days at the beach or in the sun, then you will want some light reading. I am sure there are some of your favourite business books on your shelf that you could grab out. There is still time to order some you may not already have. I have set aside "Ready, Aim, Fire" by Michal Masterson and "Endless Referrals" by Bob Burg books of choice for holiday reading.
4. Reduce your email box to 'zero'!
How long have some of those emails been there - unread or pleading for action? Delete anything that is old. I also like to set up folders to automatically file emails using 'rules' as they come in. Your program may also allow this. Vow to start the New Year with a clean email inbox.
5. Don't stop at emails - do the whole office
Pop on your favourite music and let loose on your office space. Does your desk currently look like a bomb shelter? Drag in a big rubbish bag and be harsh. Toss what is not needed and file what is.
6. Reassess your team.
As you plan for a busy 2011 you will need to make sure you have the right team in place. If you are finding yourself getting bogged down in administration tasks then you are not spending time ON your business. Hire a virtual assistant, book keeper or perhaps house cleaner. All of these people will allow you to spend more time doing the money making tasks and maintain focus on the big goals for your business.
7. Do you need to update software?
Videos are now seen as an essential marketing tool. Do you need to upgrade your camera, get a tripod or perhaps even upgrade your computer? Your technology is crucial to your business so you should maintain it in tip top condition. Clean out or archive any old files and be sure your back ups are up to date. It's a good time to get acquainted with software that you can use to automate some of your marketing activities so you are still visible to your clients while taking some down time.
8. Stay in touch with your clients.
Even if you are not where you want to be yet, your business would not be where it is today without the clients you have. The thing most people crave is appreciation and acknowledgement so this is a great time for you to thank you clients for their business.
9. Plan your first 2011 activities.
What is the quickest way you can get a cash injection into your bank account early into the New Year? A paid teleseminar is a great option. You can either host it yourself or invite a special guest to interview. A special price point is a great incentive for those who sign up before the New Year.
10. Be grateful for everything you HAVE achieved during 2010.
Often we forget to take time to celebrate our achievements when we are so focused on the next goal. I use a journal to write down all my achievements, big and small, several times a week. For the end of the year, I would encourage you to spend sometime doing this. Being grateful for what you have will allow room for you to invite the Universe to deliver you more!
Take the time to also appreciate the friends and family that you have, and to remind yourself of what the holidays are truly about. Take time to soak in the sun (or snow for our US companions), play with the kids or grab a movie. You will be back at work before you know it.
Let me know below how you plan to spend your holiday break.
by: Fay McLean
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