For many small businesses, there is a natural ebb and flow throughout the course of the year. Here in Minnesota, for example, summer signals the start of the wedding season. For photographers, planners, designers, and florists in Minnesota, summer may not include too many days relaxing by the pool, but could instead be a very busy, full season of serving clients. No matter your small business or your region, it’s essential to prepare for your busy season strategically. Today, I’m excited to share ways you can strategically prepare for your busy season, so you can have a profitable, productive, and smooth busy season.

How to Strategically Prepare for Your Busy Season

Perhaps your business experiences a busy season and a slow season, or perhaps your business is seasonal by design. We wholeheartedly believe there is purpose in every area of business ownership — something we discuss in Episode 005: 10 Things to Do When Business is Slow, and Episode 126: 5 Ways to Polish Your Business from the Inside Out. Today, I’m excited to share how to strategically prepare for your busy season, so you can experience peace of mind in the season ahead — and strengthen your business for future growth and success in the process.

1. Review All Client Projects and Contracts: No matter how organized and streamlined your small business is, in the midst of a busy season, it’s always possible for a detail to be forgotten or overlooked. Before your season is underway, review all of your current and upcoming client projects and contracts, to ensure you feel organized and prepared for the season ahead.
2. Streamline Your Processes and Procedures: Every year at With Grace and Gold, we review our step-by-step brand and web design process and determine whether certain steps should be added, removed, or condensed. Doing so helps us to ensure each client is journeying through a smooth, seamless process. Review your processes and procedures, so every client you serve in the seasons ahead receives a great experience.
3. Polish Your Brand and Website: Before your busy season is underway, review your brand and web design to ensure it showcases the quality and caliber of your work, along with your best work. That way, when you are serving clients, meeting vendors, and being referred to others, your online presence is up-to-date and aligned with your vision and goals.
4. Schedule Your Marketing: From social media posts to newsletters, schedule your small business marketing before the busy season, so you know your marketing is working effectively on behalf of your business. Knowing your social media posts will be posted and your newsletters will be delivered will help to alleviate any stress you experience — and better ensure your marketing is strategic, too. Rather than marketing out of obligation, you can market with strategy and intention before you feel too busy to do so.
5. Prepare Backup Plans: Anticipate potential challenges or obstacles that may arise, and develop contingency plans to address them. Prepare backup vendors, equipment, and logistics — so if an emergency arises during a season where your business and your clients need you most, you have plans to fall back on.
6. Take Care of Yourself: Finally, remember to take care of yourself. Prioritize self-care, delegate tasks when necessary, and take breaks to recharge and avoid burnout. By reviewing client projects and contracts, streamlining your processes and procedures, polishing your brand and website, scheduling your marketing, and preparing backup plans in advance, you can reduce the number of responsibilities you have, and better ensure your success moving forward.

We are so hopeful today’s episode equips you to effectively and strategically prepare for your next busy season. Thanks for tuning in!

Brand It, Build It Podcast, Hosted by Kelly Zugay

Hosted by Kelly Zugay, co-founder of With Grace and Gold, The Brand It, Build It Podcast is the best small business marketing podcast for small business owners, creatives, and founders. Weekly, brief, actionable episodes will equip you to build a successful, sustainable small business. Since 2014, With Grace and Gold has provided award-winning custom brand and Showit web design and completely customizable Showit website templates for small businesses worldwide.