December is here, and I know that can feel scary, but we do still have over 8% left of the year to go. Which does give me some comfort, because 8% seems like a reasonable amount and is still plenty of time to get things done and have downtime and spend quality time with the people who are important to me. Yay! But are we also able to make a great income for December and January?
From my recent conversations with service-based small business owners, a common theme emerging is the apprehension of the approaching “quiet season.”
Down in New Zealand and Australia it is standard that a lot of businesses shut down for the end of December and for most of January. This is when most of the population take their annual leave.
Which can lead the businesses who want or need to stay open during these times feeling like no-one is around. Business can naturally drop and be quieter during this time, hence the apprehension of many small business owners right now, worried about how they will manage with less cashflow coming in.
Now, if you want to make the most of this time and take it off as well, then great. Enjoy your time off.
If you do, however, want to make good money during December and January, then I am here to tell you that, most likely, it is very possible.
I’ve helped many businesses up-level through the December/January “quiet season.”
Like James, who used to reluctantly take all of January off because it was always so quiet, until I showed him how to get a steady stream of clients throughout the whole of January.
Or Donna, whose January income over doubled from working with me.
I’ve helped another business just this week who was dreading the “quiet season,” to see how she can bring in a lot more work for January and bring massive benefit to herself, her team, and her upcoming clients. Yay!
I do get it, that during this time (when it is summer in NZ and Australia) a lot of people are away and taking the summer to relax. But don’t mistake that for them not spending money! There are also plenty of people who aren’t going away at all.
Plus, depending on what you are offering, it may be the perfect time for your ideal clients to buy off you.
The energy and pace are different during this time. Which means that your business will likely need to approach things a little differently.
So here are 5 tips to help you bring in a great income for December and January…
#1 Shift your Inner Game
Often it is our own internal stories that determine what shows up for us. Just because most people experience something one way, doesn’t mean that is the only way. There are always plenty of possibilities and opportunities at any time. It may be harder to attract new clients right now, but you can still make it happen. Shift your stories and the way you see this time to make a real difference in your business.
#2 Ramp up your marketing instead of pulling back to make a great income for December and January
Marketing generates new clients and helps current ones stay for longer. When we pull back on our marketing efforts, it is natural for business to drop back and be quieter. Remember to keep going with your marketing and even ramp it up if you can to keep the inquiries and prospects coming in throughout December and January.
#3 Get clear on why December and January are great times for your ideal clients to work with you
Just as we can see this time differently, we can also help our clients to see this time differently too. Why is buying off or working with your business beneficial specifically during this time for your clients?
Say you are installing new computer systems for your clients – this is an ideal time to do so, because the office is quieter and so this is the perfect time to implement new systems.
Or maybe you are a website developer, January is the perfect time for your clients to get that refresh of their website sorted and launched. They have more head space and time during January to focus on their own business and get things sorted.
Or maybe you are a health practitioner, whose clients will likely have more time and space during January to implement the strategies and advice you give them because they are not working or are working less.
Getting new clients and being of service can be a benefit for all parties involved. So remember to communicate WHY it is a good time to work with you.
#4 Set up partnerships and cross promotions to make a great income for December and January
Quieter months can be a perfect time to join forces and set up some partnerships with other businesses. Creating cross promotions or banding together to create a new offer or event may be a great way to boost income and add leverage to your business. It can create mutual wins and you don’t have to do everything yourself. I’ve done countless partnerships over the years, and many have led to record revenue months in our business.
#5 Communicate other opportunities to your current clients
Often there are opportunities for us to help our current clients (or past clients) in further ways. This isn’t about taking advantage of them, but rather seeing if there are additional ways we can help them that we are not already providing. What else might they need that you already provide? Are they ready for an upgrade to the services you provide? This is about being of service and truly benefiting your clients, not just about how you can get more money out of them.
Remember that your current clients already know and trust you. If they love working with you and there’s more you can help them with, then it could be a great opportunity to step up and make a bigger difference.
I get it that we are in tougher economic times, so it can feel harder right now to be in business. However, we don’t have to sit around and hope that it will all work out. We can be proactive and put into place what we need to get the results that we want. It is absolutely possible to make a great income in December and January. There is always a way to make it happen. A way that is in alignment with your values and your business.
Here’s to your meaningful success. If you want help to grow and streamline your business, even during the December and January “quiet period” then check out our Work With Us page with our business coaching services and let’s chat about the amazing results we can create together.
