Have you experienced the summer slump? Did Vacation Veronica drop on your doorstep when the kids got out of school and never leave? Have you looked at your Fall calendar and realized it is empty?
Many of us experience the summer slump. When I was working in the non-profit world, it was a time when we took things a little easier. As Belinda was growing up, it was when I took time off for major events in our personal life. Why? Because we are laid back in the summer. The world (at least at the Jersey shore) moves a little slower.
When I started my Thirty One journey, my summers were pretty much the same way. I didn’t ask people to party so as a result my summer slump became a fall fiasco! My sales in the summer slowed to a dribble which made for a quiet Fall despite always having a new catalog. “Summer slump” – most retailers and business owners experience it so why not you, right?
This season I did things a little different. Everyone is online – from grocery shopping to clothes shopping to buying large items for the home. So, I went virtual too. I became the face my customers associated with Thirty One. I didn’t want them to be asked “who is your consultant” and they say “not sure” or “I don’t have a regular one”. I wanted them to say “It is Hope and here is her information”.
Are thinking, I’ve been in a summer slump, my calendar is bare for September so it is “hopeless”. WAIT! Don’t let negativity overwhelm you! There is still plenty you can do to hit your sales goals for the fall.
FIRST! Kick Vacation Veronica to the curb. Schedule some time to work on your business – even if it is just 20 minutes a day. You will be surprised what you can get done in 20 minutes when you are focused.
It is time to work your business. Despite being pretty happy with my business all summer, I was entering a new phase – 95% online business with Facebook parties, vendor events and an occasional home party. YIKES! It is scary but I am determined to make it work. I mean it has all summer so why not into the busy holiday season, right? “Wine Down” has been the most popular themed Facebook party for September. I mean who doesn’t like wine, right?
If you haven’t been working your business – it is time to get busy. Here are some ways to ramp up your business these last 2 weeks of August so you are getting back on track for September….
#1 Upcoming Event and Celebration Packages.
Kids are headed back to school, fall sports are starting, people are looking to raise money… the list goes on. People are getting together to celebrate (any excuse for a party, right?). Why not create some special packages for all the different types of celebrations and reach out now to offer your products. This could be as a present for others or for their own personal use. Here are some examples of celebrations and events: Back to School, Weddings, Anniversaries, Family BBQs and reunions, etc.
#2 Show-on-the-Go.
Are you always prepared for a mini show presentation? I have a mobile office in my trunk with some products ready to show off to anyone who asks. Are you a walking billboard for your products? Be sure you always have your product on hand to demonstrate to potential customers. Don’t miss an opportunity to share your products! Have your business card ready – actual or electronic. It means you will have to follow up with them but who knows what could develop…
#3 Follow-Up.
Just because your customers are away, doesn’t mean they don’t want to benefit from your products or replenish their stock. I am always amazed when I get a text from a customer looking for a product they saw while on vacation. Follow-up means getting on the phone, text or Facebook message (their preference) your customers and see how they’re doing. Also let them know if they are away, you can ship their products to wherever they want!
#4 Create More Content.
Did you know this is one of the most important things you can do online to help generate more profit for your business? Videos, blog posts, demonstrations, tutorials and more. Get in the frame of mind to teach people more about what you do and offer them value. The more you share, the more interested they become in your products. This is a great time to ramp up VIP Group and create amazing content for your Business Page.
#5 Markets and Vendor Events.
Check out the local fairs, markets and vendor events. Find local markets in your area and inquire about renting a table. Many of the markets continue through September. Look for those holiday vendor/craft events to help you gain new customers and get out of the summer slump.
What will you do to KICK your Fall into gear?
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 