Summer is way too short here in Montreal, so it’s no wonder that business slows down for most of us. That’s why it’s a good time to relax, regroup, and reflect over the past few months. What have you been doing right? What could you improve on? How can you use these next few months to prepare for September?

Here are a few things I’ve done myself that have helped me regain focus and remember why I got into business for myself in the first place:

• Continued education and professional development: I completed an intensive coach certification course and specialized in leading teleclasses. I have also consistently given teleclasses every month: This not only takes me out of my comfort zone, but helps me hone my listening and public speaking skills. If you want to stay positive about your business, it’s vital that you spend some time on yourself, developing in a direction that motivates you.
• Pin down your 30-second pitch: No matter where you are professionally, this is something that always needs work. Your life & business are constantly in evolution and your 30-second pitch will need to be reevaluated accordingly. Summer is ideal for this; business is slower, so take advantage of that to step back and get more clarity on your own “big picture”.
• Volunteer: Offering just one hour per month as a committee member of a local networking group has helped me make connections I wouldn’t have otherwise. It can be very satisfying to share your expertise with people or organizations that strive to make a difference in your own field of business.
• Focus on one specific problem: Is there something bothering you about your business? Take some time to really define the problem and focus on it. The solution could be as simple as making a few call-outs every day or simply make sure that your clients’ know about a new service you are offering.
• Finish your Bio: This is probably the last thing anyone thinks of doing during the busy season. However, a well-written bio can put people at ease about doing business with you, especially if your business is “virtual” and that you don’t meet many of your clients face-to-face. Service providers need this more than retail businesses, since they are essentially selling themselves rather than a physical product.
• Find an outlet for your ideas: For me, writing and publishing articles has proved to be a great way to build my own visibility and get out on paper what feels like is stuck in my head. You have ideas to share? Why not submit articles to business websites, or try your hand at blogging or even podcasting?

What have you learned so far in 2006 about yourself and your business? Where would you like to improve? Do you need help figuring it out? Then take advantage of your network. I’m sure you’ll find someone willing to reach out and help you.

Enjoy the summer and talk to you next month.

Copyright. Cristina Favreau. All rights reserved.

So you didn’t invest a huge sum in your website... at least you’ve got one; it can’t hurt, right?

Wrong. A website that is not user-friendly can not only hurt your credibility but also cause a loss in profit by turning away potential and even current clients.

Can you afford not to know what your website’s usability mistakes are costing you? Let’s find out

Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.
- Arthur Ashe

Leverage the value of your group plan to increase profit.
Establish fixed cost employment benefits.
Be an employer of choice.

For pennies a day, without risk - You need MedExtra.

Solutions for Small Businesses

Learn more and join by clicking here.

Learn More