5 Simple Business Downtime Ideas for Growth

There is an ebb and flow when it comes to having clients and making money and, believe it or not, it’s perfectly natural.

Many of us get nervous thinking we have done something wrong or think we are not doing enough if we don't have steady clients but, no matter how big your business gets, you will still experience an ebb and have a down time.

If you have been in business for a while, you might have already noticed certain periods that are slow because of weather, holidays, etc. Even if your business is brand new, you can likely predict which times may be slower in your industry.

Know when the downtimes are in your business prior to dedicating time to projects that cannot be completed during your busy time.

First, before anything else, breathe and be thankful. It’s a good thing! You can stop and focus on your business growth again!

Second, before you even start with some of these ideas, make sure you have uninterrupted time to do any of these. Seriously, this is your downtime. Let’s get the most out of it without interruptions.

Once you have determined your downtime periods, taken a deep breath and scheduled some uninterrupted time for yourself, here are five ideas you can focus on to grow your business.

1) Review your advertising. Take time to see if your advertising is paying off. Some of us go a long time before we check this, but making it a priority can help you grow and show you where your money is being spent and if it’s working.

2) Get familiar again with your bookkeeping. Okay, I love bookkeeping, but it’s not for everyone and yes--even I have to make sure things are in order from time to time when it slows down. I tend to dig in deep and get as much done as I can before the next time I do scheduled bookkeeping. Knowing where your money is coming in and going out is essential for a successful business.

3) Organize your client data base and reach out. I have to assume you have one. If you don’t? For the love of all that’s holy, start one now. Once you have organized and updated your client data base, connect with those you have not heard from in a while and work your way up to those who are the most recent. Reaching out to clients in a way that serves them is always a good thing.

4) Upgrade your skills by educating yourself. Take a class, watch some educational videos, or even just read some articles during your business slowdown. Additional knowledge can help you serve your clients better and help you create more products and services that fit your industry demands. 

5) Take time just for you. Take advantage of the down time by treating yourself to a treatment for a change. Not only will you enjoy a little pampering, but you will see how others work in the industry. Sorry, it’s hard for me to not mix business with pleasure, as its one in the same for me.

These are just a few things that you can do during your business downtime.

Now it’s your turn!

Did you like this article? Will you or did you try any of these ideas? Do you have other suggestions? Share your thoughts and ideas below