It has been a long winter and a difficult time for most. Think of what we can do positively for our business as we head toward the first day of Spring, March 20th. Let’s look at what is in our control and leverage the change in season to change our business environment and attitude. Just as we perform Spring cleaning around the home, we need to keep our business clean and invigorate the business for the remainder of the year. It will free up physical space and many times mental space to apply toward creativity. A few areas often overlooked by small business owners below:
1) Improve your front door – The front door is not just the entrance to a brick-and-mortar location, it could also be your digital presence on the web. Are you forcing potential customers to use multiple clicks to navigate your site? Do they need to download a PDF menu file vs a mobile website experience? How difficult is it to order from you? Over the past year, even restaurants that normally did not provide take out, had to learn many things quickly. Everything from packaging to keep food quality high, online ordering, and the dine in experience for those that could open was different from last year. Does your physical front door and your “virtual” front door match your brand and give your business the look and feel you want customers to experience? If not – jump on it today!
2) Marketing – Be creative and look at ways you can align with seasonal holidays and events. How about a social media contest that allows customers an opportunity to win something while helping spread the word to new potential customers for you? Even if you are not a professional tax preparer – is there something you can do to give customers an incentive for April 15? How about an inventory clearance? What do you customers need for Spring and how can you provide a better experience than your competitors?
3) Get that “Spring” feeling – As we started out this posting talking about coming out of a long winter – time to brighten things up. Allow more natural light into the business. Studies have shown the benefits in productivity and overall mood with increased lighting. Brighten up collateral, graphics, fresh paint, and landscaping. Also ensure you and your team are all embracing a positive attitude and get a spring in your step. Positivity rubs off and will make any business more welcoming.
Think through
Use Spring as an opportunity to declutter physically and mentally. Focus on the growth potential ahead. Build or update your checklist for annual “Spring Cleaning”, mark your calendar for next year, March 20, 2022. Simplify!
Creating a Spring like visual environment in the physical or virtual world will rub off on your customers, employees, and yourself. Use your creativity to try something different and bring positivity across all aspects of your business.
Feel free to post comments or email them to me. Small Business, Big Lessons ® – What is your Spring action plan?
Small Business
About the Author:
Gregory Woloszczuk is an entrepreneur and experienced tech executive that helps small business owners grow their top and bottom line. Gregory believes in straight talk and helping others see things they need to see but may not want to with a focus on taking responsibly for one’s own business. He and his wife, Maureen, started GMW Carolina in 2006.
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