Do you find that in the summer, in addition to the regular distractions – nice weather, fun activities, visiting guests, travel, etc – that it also seems like there just isn’t that much business out there because everyone else is doing just that – enjoying the weather and taking holidays?
I get it, people ARE on vacation, and many networking groups do close down for the summer, however, I’ve not met too many people who are on vacation ALL summer – even if they take 2 or 3 weeks off, there is still approximately 9 – 10 weeks left in the season! And I’m pretty sure that just like you, other entrepreneurs do need to keep up business activities.
It all comes down to momentum!
If there is one thing I have found over the years in my business: usually most business that I close today is the result of work I did several months or even a year or so ago. It may seem like it’s new, as perhaps I did just meet this client, but when I look back at all the events that led that client to me in this moment, well, it usually started with something I did quite a while back that may be directly – or most likely – indirectly related to today.
That’s why momentum is so important in business. You may have what seems like enough business for the summer, and even if you do decide to take a vacation and have enough funds put aside to cover it, that income and those funds are the results of earlier work. Keeping up your momentum in the summer is crucial to your continued success and future cash flow.
If you take a break make it count
If you are planning on taking a vacation, by all means, do so! And make it count, and make it a real one. Carve out the time and delegate to your team the marketing activities that need to be kept up. But when vacation is over, you also have 9 – 10 weeks of summer left where you can be focused on keeping up your business activities.
A Great Opportunity
And, I honestly feel it’s such a great time especially since so many others are taking the traditional approach to take it easy and back off their business, it opens up opportunities for you because the other entrepreneurs you meet with you can be sure are serious about their business, just like you.
And, given that it may very well appear to be quiet, there is lots of amazing time to work ON your business in the summer months, instead of in it – allowing you to really create momentum that can result in so many clients and much higher income for you later.
5 Tips to Maximize Momentum During The Summer
So what do you do when most of the traditional networking events are closed, and many potential clients and business partners are on holidays?
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Go to Networking Events that Are Open
There aren’t many, that’s for sure. What a great opportunity for you, because these events will attract all the entrepreneurs in your area that really are serious about their business, and I find that the quality of attendees at these summer events are usually some of the best.
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Private Functions
I’ve noticed a great trend this year, and it started last summer, there seems to be a lot of private functions, soirees and talks at library’s etc that are being hosted by individual entrepreneurs this summer.
I love this, as these events will have a different feel than a traditional networking event, they will likely have a bit more of a business casual or social feel to them. I love to attend these with the sole intention of deepening relationships. After all, that’s what business is ultimately built on. Don’t toss these private events off as a waste of time. Take advantage of them and the unique opportunity they offer.
Heck – why not even host one yourself?
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Book Speaking Gigs
Let’s face it, there is no better way to build credibility and get known as an expert in your field than speaking. Speaking gigs, however, can take time to secure. And this is the perfect time to build momentum for the following year, and reach out to event hosts who will be starting to plan their speaking rosters for the winter and spring (and possibly be looking to fill any cancellations) – I usually like to do this towards the end of summer, as it’s the perfect time to offer to serve them. And without fail, I am able to fill my calendar!
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Schedule Meetings
The summer is a great time to schedule in-person meetings, with colleagues, potential clients, potential vendors, and those who you’d like to know more about. It takes networking to a whole new level as it’s small and intimate. If perhaps you don’t want to host an event like tip # 2 above, perhaps organize just a small mastermind meeting with 3 or 4 entrepreneurs you want to get to know.
Now – my caveat – I absolutely do not accept, nor invite “coffee dates” that have no purpose.
I could write a whole blog about that alone, as that is a topic for another day. What I will say: that is disrespectful of your time and of the person whom you are requesting the meeting.
Yes, I do have meetings in coffee shops – after all, my office is in the house, and I do need somewhere to meet. But, I am always clear about my intention and desired outcome as well as that of whom I’m meeting. Your meetings should always have a purpose, and a time limit.
If you do truly want to chat with someone you just met to see if it’s worth it to take the next step, then I suggest a quick virtual coffee by skype.
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Marketing Calendar
The summertime is a great time to plan out your marketing calendar for the fall. And as a bonus go ahead and write those marketing emails long before you need them, you will be so happy you did it when the fall rolls around.
It’s also a great time to plan some joint venture / list building activities. Some of my results have been due to reaching out / or being invited to participate in joint ventures during the summer months. Online events take a long time to pull together, and by planning them during the summer months, when the busy fall hits, it’s simply a matter of executing as all the work will already have been done.
In Conclusion
Summer time is ¼ of your year! In looking at it from that perspective it seems crazy to take that much time off or to slow down for such a long time. That’s why for many entrepreneurs when September hits, it’s a rude awakening and a mad dash to the end of the year. It doesn’t have to be that way.
Keeping up your marketing and business development momentum all year long, and especially in the summer, especially when everyone else is slowing down, is what will keep your business overflowing with leads and opportunities that will eventually turn into clients.
Do you need help crafting a plan that will help you take your business to the next level? If so I invite you to apply for a complimentary Income Acceleration Session.
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