The weather is getting warmer and for many small business owners that means one thing: more business. With demand for everything from physical training, to party rentals and home inspection more than doubling in the warm months, keeping on top of business can be a job of its own.
Luckily, there’s help. We spoke to Top Pros specializing in everything from dog training to makeup design to get their expert advice on how to set your business up for summer success.
Step #1: Plan Ahead
If your business tends to pick up in spring, stay on top of the busy spell by taking these steps in the winter.
Train Your Staff
“In the winter I spend time making sure that everyone on my staff is up to par. I hire eight to ten employees for the spring, and we all work a ton so we need to train. I also see to it that my templates and quotes are ready to go, because spring season is extremely competitive and I always want to be the first to make contact with the client.”
—Winstead Barnes of Winstead Studios in Lorton, VA
Take Stock of Your Supplies
“I need to know what’s in my inventory and supply at least a season before so we don’t take on orders that we can’t supply. We also hire more employees. Spring is graduation season and we anticipate that business will pick up by at least 20 percent. We need people on the phones taking orders, and drivers to fulfill orders.”
—Francis and Julio of JR Party Supply and Rentals in La Puente, CA
Update Your Profile
“Update your profile picture and pictures of your work with new spring looks and prom/wedding trends. This way your work truly stands out. Also, it doesn’t hurt to update your kit with some of the latest items out to ensure you’re prepared for any new fun looks requested. Especially for prom clients, be prepared with plenty of glitter and hair jewels.”
—Cynthia Mitchell of Makeup by Cynsei in Charlotte, NC
Step #2: Be Consistent
Top Pros keep their clients engaged in the middle of the spring madness by quoting fast and consistently following up.
Be First to Quote
“Respond quickly and follow up with potential clients. Spring is a busy time and it’s easy to get wrapped up in other things. They appreciate you helping out by reaching out to secure an appointment—it’s one less box they have to check.”
—Cynthia Mitchell of Makeup by Cynsei in Charlotte, NC
Always Follow Up
“Consistency is our biggest strength. At the end of the day when I’m finishing my reports I go back on Thumbtack and send everyone a follow-up message. No matter how busy I am, it’s something I always stay on top of. You have to ask for people’s business. It’s the only way.”
—David C. Clayton of Corner Stone Home Inspections in Grapevine, TX
Keep Yourself on the Customer’s Mind
“A lot of people don’t respond to quotes in the winter—but if you’re smart you’ll continue sending quotes because they’ll remember you and come back to you in the spring and summer. You have to think of it as a numbers game. If one out of every ten quotes turns into an ongoing client, that’s a good return.”
—Steve Conley of Tennis Pro in Brooklyn, NY
Step #3 : Schedule Wisely
Now is the right moment to assess your schedule. Whether this means shifting your sessions to later in the day to follow the changes in daylight or planning your vacation now so you don’t overwork yourself, pick a schedule that makes the most sense for you and your customers this season.
Make Time for Breaks
“It’s easy to overwork yourself in the middle of a surge. I am very specific about providing time slots on my website and I stick to them so that I can maintain time off. I always include windows where I will rest. If you’re overworked you won’t be able to do good your best job. It’s intricate but it’s how I survive.”
—Eric Pliner of Dog Training With Eric in Edgewood, CO
Align Your Schedule With the Sun (Salutations)
“You have a longer schedule around this time of the year. The sun stays out later and people want to be outdoors, staying active. People want to practice yoga in the mornings or after work, but in the spring this balance changes—more people want to work out later in the day. I take my break and rest in the middle of the day, so that I’m available when my clients are.”
—Kandis Tagliabue of Kandis Tagliabue Yoga in Los Angeles, CA
Stay Ahead of the Time Change
“In winter you’re limited by the daylight hours. In spring, I retool my hours and days off to match the new patterns of daylight. It’s too hot to do trainings outside during the middle of the day in the spring, so I schedule sessions in the morning and the evening.”
—Eric Pliner of Dog Training With Eric in Edgewood, CO
Looking for more tips on how to stay ahead regardless of the season? Read about writing winning quotes and getting stellar reviews here.
