It’s been a while between blogs my apologies, things have been crazy. Plenty has been happening here at Creative Little Soul HQ. There’s never a dull moment, and we’ve been busy making new friends and clients and working on some great projects and opportunities for our existing clients and friends too. You can keep up to date as it happens on our Facebook and Instagram pages too.
It’s that time of year, where things start to pick up. Businesses start looking at ways to save on costs, retaining those great staff for when you need them, and thinking about all those ways you can maximise and make money over the summer and silly season. With my MS this time of the year is a horror show for me. The heat and I do not play nicely and I’m forecasting that there will be a massive spike in my electricity bill. If I meet you in person, don’t be alarmed by the heavy sweating or that I might look like I’ve just gone for a swim, it’s just the way my immune system reminds me it’s in control and that it hates me.
Hopefully you had a chance to take a breather and catch your breath, as it will get busy and I hope you’re prepared for it. For as long as I’ve been in the industry, October Long Weekend has traditionally been when that switch gets flicked and before we know it, we’re wondering where the hell the year went and are looking forward to March as that’s when we can expect a slight lull. Why does it get better and busier post long weekend? Largely because the weather gets better. Customers are a weird bunch and while an Australian winter isn’t even that harsh, people have it ingrained that if it’s cold and they require an umbrella they’d rather vegetate on the couch and watch Netflix. Hey I’m all for that too, don’t get me wrong but largely the consumer spending is what is going to see your business increase.
So what happens now? Here are a few things I suggest you do/ take advantage of while you can.
1. Capture all the data you can, while you can. While your venues are busy, this is a great time to capture data of those people who are there now. Build and refresh your database.
2. Don’t rely on people to come to you. Having the opinion that the doors are open and people know where you find you is arrogant. It’s a great time to reach out to your neighbours, invite people to try your new Spring/ Summer Menus and cocktail lists. A simple email or phone call can go leaps and bounds. Haven’t seen your regulars for a while? Call them and let them know you’ve missed them. Hell, even issue a voucher to welcome them back! Sales and maintaining relationships are important. There’s nothing more satisfying than being sold out or booked out before hand.
3. Melbourne Cup– Whether you’re a venue or business and regardless of whether or not you’re in Victoria (who luckily get another day off for it), look at ways you can take advantage of this day and event. Is it a luncheon? Is it a sale? Is it an anti Melbourne Cup event? Be creative. It’s a great day and way to give your monthly revenue and takings a boost. It’s a Tuesday too and you’ve an opportunity to really inject some dollars into your P & L.
4. Christmas Parties and Member/ Follower Loyalty. Whatever your business, you should be looking at a way to give back to your followers, clients and members. Whether it’s an afternoon meet and greet, a personalised Christmas card, cupcakes for the entire office or a 10% off voucher. Do something nice for your patrons/ members/ clients and customers, for no reason or expectation. I can assure you that people like nice things being done for them and it will work in your benefit down the track.
5. Automate all that you can when you can. There’s nothing worse than when you’re busy you forget things. Whether it’s your social media, end of month reports, emails or birthday messages to people. Just because you’re busy (being busy by the way should never be grounds for complaint!). Put things in place to work smarter not harder for you in the background. There are so many great platforms, tools, people and processes available to support you. This is what good business is about.
Before you get balls deep busy, I suggest you have a pep talk and chat with staff members. These guys and girls will be the ones that will be with or without you throughout the peak period. Ask who does and doesn’t want to work. Putting people on to work on the days off they want will only result in them calling out sick or working half arsed. You need your MVP’s this time of year. Don’t let other people let you down and all that you stand for!
Hire if you need to. There is nothing worse than being a customer and having to wait ages for a product or service. People will get annoyed and will walk out. Let your team know what the key targets and objectives are and give them that carrot on the end of the stick to work towards (cash bonuses and incentives are great, tips even better and a day out post massacre to have a few brews).
The biggest piece of advice I can give you is to keep an eye on your social media. Don’t over promise on things you can’t deliver. Do address comments and complaints straight away. Don’t be afraid of people and find a resolution and remedy straight away. Mistakes and accidents happen, that’s a fact – especially when busy. But it’s how you deal with them that really determines how your business will be affected. If you’re not confident on how to deal with online or written complaints or social media feedback, let us know. We’re pro’s at this kind of thing and that’s what we’re here for.
I wish you well, amigos in what’s set to be a scorching Spring and Summer ahead. Remember to keep your cool and holler if you need to!
xoxo Chrissy