As a small business owner, you know there are truly no days off. With that said, the sunshine and warm weather of the summer months can bring many distractions to a small business, its owner, employees and customers alike. For some businesses, the summer is a booming time, but for others, it’s especially hard to outline goals, maintain objectives and fight off the dog days of summer. Luckily for you, there are plenty of ways you can keep yourself, your employees and even your customers engaged throughout the summer season.
Connect with the Community
Use social media to make yourself part of the community during the summer months. Obtain a comprehensive list of free local events happening throughout the summer and post updates on your social media channels.
Another excellent way of connecting with the community is by sponsoring an event benefiting a local charity or nonprofit during the season. It is not only a way of keeping your employees engaged, but it also creates a fun way for them to connect with customers. It gets you and your employees out of your normal confines by bringing the brand to the customer in a setting they wouldn't normally see you in. It's a great way for your business to make a difference in the community while enjoying the summer months.
Run Summer Promotions
For many businesses, the summer months means a drop-off in customer volume and sales. Therefore any summer promotions, when marketed correctly, can be extremely effective. Utilize the temperature, heat and holidays to your advantage and tie them into your promotions. For example, did you know National Watermelon Day was August 3? Find the biggest watermelon you can and have your customers come in and submit their best guess of the exact weight. Closest guess wins a special discount or gift card.
Take Advantage of Less Volume
Employees need to stay connected as well when customer volume falls off during the summer. This is the perfect time to tackle long-term projects that you have been putting off. With the extra time, it's a great way to utilize your employees' time and keep them focused while setting goals for your business. Switching gears to a long term summer project keeping them sharp despite a slowdown in sales. Another great idea is to use this downtime to invest in your employees’ education by providing fun training sessions that will further their professional development.
Create A Summer Newsletter
Create a weekly or biweekly summer newsletter. Use this platform to tie together all your marketing strategies for the summer. Tell people about the local events, advertise your charity events and advertise your best summer promotions. Keep the customer informed with your business and they will come back. Maintain that connection because their minds are in summer mode as well. That's why a fun, informative newsletter delivered through email is a great strategy.
Obtain Customer Feedback
Use the relaxed, unrushed presence of your customers during the summer to get their feedback. Ask them what they like about your business and what they would like to see changed. It's a great way to get to know your clientele and connect with them on a personal level. It tells them that you're there to serve them and that their satisfaction is important to you.
Summer is a time for family, friends, great weather and outdoor activities. Customers, employees and even you are distracted by all that summer has to offer. Maintain your business objectives, connect with the community and stay focused. You will be able to enjoy the summer while feeling confident that your business is still growing because you used the season to your advantage to set goals, be productive and keep your employees engaged.
