I’m someone who’s used to—and honestly enjoys—being at full capacity most of the time. So when things slow down a bit after the new year, I sometimes find myself thinking, “Now what?” Sure, there’s always cleaning every nook and cranny in the house (which, I admit, is surprisingly satisfying). But once that’s done, I start looking for ways to use that rare, temporary downtime to make things better here at “headquarters.”
If you’re in the same boat, here are a few ideas to make the most of the quiet:
- Examine your business from the outside in. Listen to your voicemail greeting—does it sound friendly and clear? Double-check your email signature—does it have your phone number? Skim your homepage or subscribe to your own newsletter to see exactly what your customers experience.
- Refresh your LinkedIn profile. Make sure your photo is current, your details are up to date, and don’t be shy about asking for a few recommendations.
- Share past content. If you’ve got old newsletters that never made it to your website, now’s the time to post them.
- Clear up those “tolerations.” You know—the little annoyances you’ve been living with for too long. Move supplies where you actually use them, finally file that pile of papers, and make important numbers easy to find.
- Organize your desk. Take everything off, give it a good clean, and only put back what you really need.
- Review your finances. Don’t wait for tax season—get your expenses organized now.
- Plan your next big project. Give yourself the space to think, dream, and map it out.
For those of us who are used to running at full speed, downtime can feel strange. So yes, give yourself a break, but when you’re ready, use it as an opportunity to tidy up, get organized, and set the stage for whatever’s next in your business.
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