Summer is when the pace of business tends to slow down a bit. It’s good to take some time to recharge your batteries and get away. All work and no play can make both Jack and Jill dull, unhappy, unhealthy, and unprofitable. It’s important to take some time to kick back.
At the same time, summer can be a strategic time to kick things up a notch. Lest you think I’m talking out of both sides of my mouth, let me explain.
Businesses with good plans and clear goals simply perform better than businesses that rush from one crisis to the next. And yet, as a business coach, one of the complaints I hear regularly is that there’s never enough time to get away and plan. Business owners are often so busy running the business that they don’t have time to plan the business.
That’s what can make summer such a great time to think and plan. If the pace is slower, that means you might actually be able to spend a little bit of time out of the office with key employees to review your status and adjust your plans for the future.
It’s a time to think about big, long-term goals and visions. Maybe this is when you revisit—or map out—your Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) that could take your business to the next level. It’s easier to focus on big picture things like that when you’re not scrambling to get the next order out the door. You can set (or re-set) your core values, your purpose, your brand promises, and your strategic priorities (Shoot me a note if you’re interested in some great, simple tools to help you do that).
A lot of companies slow down a bit during the summer months. They talk about “hitting the ground running” in the fall. That’s great, if you have a plan you’re ready to implement in the fall. If you don’t have a plan, chances are you’ll fall back into the same old routines: You’ll be busy, but you won’t be more productive.
Go ahead and relax in the summer months. But take advantage of that “down” time to do some serious planning so that you’re ready to kick it in gear when autumn rolls around.
Need help growing your business? With over 35 years of experience and thousands of companies assisted, Chuck Kocher and The Transformation Company can help you scale your business into a truly exceptional business capable of high growth strategies. Businesses are always changing, don’t let yours be left behind. Stand out with our business and executive leadership programs – designed to challenge and improve your business. Your business will thank you for it. Contact me today for a free consultation! 719-339-9505