It’s getting colder, the days are shorter, and judging from the weather channel the snow fronts are all rolling in. Many operators see a slowdown in units, services, and events. Wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to worry about your business slowing down? What if you could help alleviate some of the stress that comes from declining profits over the coldest months. Maybe you just need some winter business tips to help carry you through the slow season.
We may not be able to completely solve these complex issues, but this article will help expand on some new opportunities and shed light on some areas for growth during the cold months.
6 Ways to Increase Business in the Winter
- Add Additional Services: The cold weather and snow can create longer routes, tough conditions and less frequent requests to particular sites. That makes the slow season a good time to consider adding additional services that may open the eyes of a potential customer. Although this may be challenging, adding a new service may be a large profit gain, tieing over your business during the weather conditions. Some operators may take advantage of the fact that they are driving heavy-duty trucks and offer snow removal or towing assistance as an additional add-on.
- Grow your customer base: There are a couple ways you can work this goal in the winter. You may begin by reviewing your current customers and ensure that all their needs are being met and where you may be able to offer additional services. There may be new opportunities for small or special events that they forgot to mention to you that are specific to the winter months. Stop by or give them a phone call to see where you could fit into the plans as well. Don’t forget that this quiet time is a great time to look for new customers. Check out local networking events or holiday business events that may be a good fit to get your foot in the door. You may also want to ask trusted current customers for referrals, it is said that customers that are acquired from referrals have much higher retention rates. Seeking out customer referrals is little to no cost to the business.
- Take advantage of New Year’s Resolutions: Tis the season to listen to what your customers are up to. As you’re making holiday phone calls or stopping by customer offices with a gift, take a few minutes to dig into a little business talk. Ask them about the company goals for the next year. Explain how you would like to help move the needle for them. Read our Blog on developing and sticking to 2019 resolutions here.
- Create a Social Media Plan: Social media is here to stay, whether you want to use it in the new year or not. Social media can be a fun place to engage and chat with customers in a live setting. They can find your website, read reviews, and reach out with questions. Customers can learn about the background of the company, pricing and services offered, and the power is in their hands. Put together a monthly media calendar and add in all your yearly promotions, events and specials. Start by sharing company photos and offer some background to explain to the ideal customer what your message, goals and business offers.
- Use your 2019 Goals to showcase what may be “Coming this year”: Get your customers excited about what is coming next. Show them that you are a forward-thinking company, and double down on some work you have already invested in your upcoming year. Your customers are always interested in the next best thing, so be sure to share the excitement of your upcoming plans. Are you expanding? Are you buying new supplies? Share photos and updates to keep everyone on their toes!
- Create some how-to material to help with basic training during busy times: We understand that your staff may increase and decrease depending on the seasonality of your businesses. While some companies may have the resources to provide detailed training programs, others may be in more of a pinch after hiring a for the summer. While you have a little bit of time to think through next years needs, try to document key business steps that a new hire could read or learn from without in-depth explanations.