If you are someone who is accustomed to feeling at capacity most of the time, you may not be sure what to do when things slow down a bit. I like to “be productive, not just busy” and seek to engage in rewarding activities.
Slow time can be viewed as found time. Here are ideas to take more deliberate steps to maximize found time:
1. Examine your business from the outside in. Listen to your outgoing voicemail message – is it friendly and clear? Look at your email signature – is your phone number included? When was the last time you read your website homepage or subscribed to your own newsletter to see what happens?
2. Check out your LinkedIn profile. Make sure your profile picture is a professional head shot and that it is up to date. Do you have updates to add to your profile summary?
3. Post past content. If you have past newsletters that are not yet up on your website, take steps to add them.
4. Clean up “tolerations.” You know, those annoying little things that you are still putting up with. Are you always struggling to find client phone numbers? Do you keep essential supplies in the basement instead of near your desk? Is there a pile of papers in the corner that you have ignored for months? Take the time now to handle these little annoyances.
5. Organize your desk. Take everything off (yes, everything) clean it thoroughly, and only add back what you need.
6. Review your finances. Why wait until tax time to organize your expenses? Bring them up to date now.
7. Plan your next big project. What are you waiting for? Jump in!
For people who are used to being at capacity, a little down time can be disorienting. So yes, make sure you relax. But when you are ready to jump back in, take advantage of the opportunity to take your business to the next level.