Summer isn’t all lazy afternoons on the dock. To achieve your business goals, you need to stay focused year-round.
You need to keep momentum going throughout the summer months, says April-Lynn Levitt, a coach with the Personal Coach in Calgary. That means continuing to work on the business and keeping in touch with clients.
Follow Levitt’s advice to stay on task during the summer while still taking opportunities to enjoy the season:
> Start planning now
Get ready for the summer by organizing the business in spring.
By now, or by June at the latest, you should be planning for July, August and September, Levitt says. Take a look at any ongoing projects that require attention and know who on your team will be taking vacation, and when.
As well, consider booking more client meetings in the spring, Levitt says, because some clients may be unavailable during the summer.
> Meet with clients socially
Take advantage of the season by getting to know your clients better at a social event.
For example, you might organize a weekly golf day with a rotating group of top clients, Levitt says. Decide who you want to invite and when, so that everything can be booked in advance.
Or, you can be a little more creative, Levitt says. She knows an advisor who hosts a horseback trail ride for about 20 clients every summer.
“It’s not really business,” she says, “but it does generate business for him.”
> Stop procrastinating
When planning out the summer months, Levitt says, consider whether there are any projects that you’ve put off that need to be done.
For example, during the summer months you could clean up your contact management system, work on your branding, catch up on financial plans or put your files in order.
> Connect with COIs
Take advantage of the slower months to contact your centres of influence.
The summer might be a slow time for your COIs as well, Levitt says. So, it might be a good time to schedule a meeting or get together in a more social setting.
> Relax and re-charge
Make the most of the summer by taking a vacation — and leave your business behind.
“I hate to see advisors who don’t take a full break,” Levitt says. “Some are really busy and they take their work with them on holidays or to the cottage.”
Instead, leave work at the office and use your vacation time to really relax and re-charge, Levitt says. You’ll be more productive when you return to work.