Slow periods in business can be killer. Even planned slow seasons, where you’ve budgeted to keep the lights on no matter the amount of customers, can make it harder and harder to go on.
So when an unexpected slow period hits out of nowhere, you can be left with sinking funds and little to no coverage beyond the end of the month.
Either way, you’re out of pocket and you’re out of customers. But is there something you can do here, to turn a slow period on its head? Absolutely. Here are just a few things to consider trying within your business.
Target Your Loyal Customers
Every business has customers that come back more than once. When a slow period strikes, targeting this type of customer is key. They’re loyal - and have demonstrated this by buying multiple times - which makes them the most likely candidates for custom when all else fails.
Of course, targeting loyal customers is key in the long run no matter what. You want your customer base to know you offer the best service they won’t get anywhere else. But slow periods are when this type of targeting really comes into its own.
Focus on loyal customers in your upcoming marketing details, and make it easier to collect them together in one accessible place.
Try an AI Onboarding Tool
AI onboarding can lay panels over the chasm between your profit ideal and the profit you’re turning right now. Because even when you think you’ve got no customers to realistically target at this point in time, sales automation workflows can highlight the potential you’re missing out on.
And if AI is doing the hard legwork, you’re not wasting all your time and energy before the busy season comes around again.
That’s crucial in maintaining the momentum you gain here. You don't want to waste all your resources on a slow period crawl, only to lose out on the other side once your customers want more from you again.
Look for the Gaps in Your Service
Customer needs tend to change depending on the time of year. Thinking about this will help to turn slow periods into faster paced, more satisfying working months.
Remember, there’s always something you can offer your customer base. You just need to consider what they need right now, at this moment, that differs from what they needed last month or the month before that.
These gaps in your service will always exist, and the need to cover them will come around again and again. And you know what that means? There’s always another relevant, timely way you can offer your product to your customer base.
If business is slow right now, it doesn’t have to stay that way. Make a difference to your yearly ups and downs by using tips like these. From AI power boosts to highlighting service offerings you should get on the menu, there’s always a way to push your profit more firmly into the green zone.