Get your Business “Back to School” ready
With the start of the academic year only weeks away, not only is this the time to be buying new shoes and sewing name labels into jumpers, but it’s also the perfect moment to stop and reflect on your business.
New Year’s resolutions seem like old news, and Christmas is still way off in the distance, which means that the end of summer is a great marker for moving forwards.
I’ve looked at some simple things you can do to ensure the rest of 2019 is fantastic and that you’re ready to embrace all that 2020 has to offer.
Tackle your finances
We are all different when it comes to finances, but when the phone is quiet it is a good time to go over the figures. Take a look at your bank statements, look at where savings can be made, ensure you are recording sales and invoices and keep track of who has paid you, and where there are gaps in your balance sheet. If numbers aren’t your thing, consider taking on a bookkeeper or accountant so that everything is in order and give you the headspace you need to run your business well.
Have a plan
I often suggest that clients need to celebrate what they’ve achieved so far and then break down what they’re going to do in the next 90 days. This is a manageable chunk of time to get things done without things feeling so overwhelming you stop doing anything at all.
It could be that you want to launch a membership, do some personal development training or write a book, they are all there for the taking. Do remember all of this needs to dovetail with your current commitments so don’t overstretch yourself but do take on an achievable challenge.
Look at where you are now, where you want to be in 90 days and then start looking at what you need to do to get there.
Create content
When we are in back to back meetings, delivering training, travelling to events and getting new business in, creating content for your website, blog and social media channels can fall by the wayside. Over the next couple of weeks, set aside a few hours to sit down and plan what you need and when you are going to do it. Maybe you want to increase the number of times you blog each month, you want to be a part of the conversation on Twitter or have a burning desire to showcase your images on IG – whatever it is, now is the time to do it.
Read up
Let’s be honest, how many books have you started to read this year and only got a third of a way through? I’m going to use a return flight to Canada to finish at least one book this month, maybe two if I can. Reading books by other business leaders, entrepreneurs and experts can really help give us vision and clarity as we learn from their words. I would really recommend getting into the habit of reading as much as you can and you will be surprised what will come your way if you do. If you really don’t have time to read, listen to podcasts and learn as you run, walk the dog or get the train into town.
Delegate
You might not think that you have the money or don’t want someone else messing things up, but delegating could be the best thing to do for your business. A social media manager can take control of your FB and LinkedIn and ensure you aren’t missing out on opportunities. If you need help to get organised, a VA (virtual assistant) could be the missing link in your team and having a cleaner at home can give you the time you need to get yourself on track at work.
Rest and relax
We often think we need to be working 24/7, but that isn’t the case. If you have a little downtime on offer, try to enjoy it. Maybe do some classes at the gym, catch up with friends, book a few days away by the sea or simply spend time at home chilling out. By relaxing and kicking back you will give yourself some space so when you get busy in September, you will have the reserves and energy to give things 100%.
You see, none of this is rocket science but a little planning and preparation now could make a big difference down the line.
Ruth
Image credit pexels.com
