Spring is just around the corner, and you know what that means: spring cleaning! Yes, we know how dreadful the thought of spring cleaning can be, but when it’s spring cleaning for your business, it can be fun and have many great benefits. When you are running a small business, there are a lot of things you have to think about and do throughout the year to stay operational. This means that some of the smaller organizational tasks often get pushed to the back burner and can be forgotten. Spring is the perfect time to bring those tasks back to the forefront of your focus and get them all done at once so that you are set for a successful year. So, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and tidy up your small business!
Refresh Your Marketing
Spring is the perfect time to re-evaluate and refresh your small business marketing strategies and brand image. Evaluate which advertising mediums are performing best, and then change your marketing plan to focus on those top performers. This will allow you to get the most out of your advertising budget for the rest of the year. You also want to refresh your online look, including your website and social media presence. Is the copy on your website up to date, or does some of it need to be rewritten? Are your services accurately presented? Does your online image portray your desired brand image? Make sure your website and social media reflect who your business is and what you have to offer. Do the same with your logo. Does it represent who your business is? If not, revamp it during your business spring cleaning to get a fresh start to carry you through the year.
Update Your Business Plan & Goals
When you are running a small business, every year you should evaluate your mission and vision and whether they and your goals are still in alignment. Are you making progress toward your business goals, or are you losing sight of them? Business spring cleaning is the perfect time to re-evaluate your business plan and goals so that you can stay on the right track for the rest of the year. If your business has changed and adapted to the market, account for those changes by adapting your original business plan and goals to match your new reality.
Assess Your Staff
One of the most important parts of your business spring cleaning is evaluating your staff. When you are running a small business, you need to make sure you have the right staff who are properly trained to help your business meet its goals. Take a look at your staff and see if any changes need to be made. Do you have enough employees to keep your business running smoothly each day? If not, spring is the perfect time to hire new employees. College graduation is in just a few months, and soon-to-be graduates are actively searching for jobs at this time. Start your search on college campuses to get fresh, eager new employees. You should also review your current employees to see whether they are helping or hurting your business. Spring is the time for pruning your business, so cut any employees that you need to at this time. Then, nurture the right staff with training to make sure your team has all the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively run your business.
Automate and Digitize Your Processes
Now that we’re in 2020, there’s really no need to still be using paper. Going digital can streamline and automate your processes, making your business much more efficient. You should look into implementing automation wherever possible to free up your and your employees’ time for more revenue-generating tasks. There is a lot of great software and hardware out there that can help you digitize and automate your processes. Everything from bookkeeping to customer support to manufacturing processes can benefit and become more efficient with digitization and automation.
Organize Your Emails
When you are running a small business, your emails can really pile up and turn into an overwhelming mess. Getting your emails organized is something you always talk about doing but never actually get around to. Business spring cleaning is the time to finally do it. A clean inbox means a clean mind. Go through all your emails to make sure you haven’t missed any important ones from customers, then delete what you don’t need. Organize the emails you have left into categories by whatever means make sense for you and your business.
Literally Clean Your Office
You might as well actually clean your office while you’re at it. There are sure to be parts of your office that haven’t been cleaned in a while that could probably use some T.L.C. To make the task more fun, you can turn spring cleaning into an event for your staff and provide food and drinks. Clear the clutter out of your desks, vacuum behind the printer, disinfect the break room, scrub out the inside of the microwave. Clean every part of your office from top to bottom for a fresh start and a more productive work environment.
Running a Small Business in Jefferson County, TN
Here at the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, we know how difficult running a small business can be. That’s why we offer a number of resources for our members to take advantage of. We provide learning opportunities and seminars so that you can be a more informed small business owner, and we have plenty of ways you can network and gain new business contacts and customers. While you are doing your business spring cleaning, add a fresh spin to your small business by joining the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. To find out more about becoming a member, reach out to us today at 865-397-9642 or online.
