By Aimee Woodley
Believe it or not, spring is on its way! And what better way to welcome spring than with a freshly updated business.
If your small business has drawers full of papers, now is the time to digitize – securely, of course.
Having digital files can mean quicker access, less clutter and saving trees! If you feel the need to hang on to some of your physical files, be sure to get them organized – especially those piles of receipts because tax season is coming.
In keeping with the digital, check out your website to make sure it is up-to-date.
Go through each page with a fine-tooth comb to make sure you don’t have out-of-date or incorrect information out there. Then, take a peek at your email inbox. Is it filled with newsletters and other space wasting subscriptions? Set aside a little bit of time and start hitting that unsubscribe button. Your overwhelmed brain will thank you.
Now we move on to the physical cleaning.
When is the last time you dusted off the shelves, cleaned the windows, vacuumed or mopped the floor? Get the grime out of the way, and you’ll be surprised how a fresh, clean office can help you feel recharged and more productive. Are you in retail? Have you weeded through your inventory lately? Now is probably a good time to stop putting that off.
Then we come to the business as a whole.
A reassessment of your business plan to evaluate the pros and cons may reveal some key points that you may not have noticed before or have been putting off. Look at things from all angles and aspects. Not just things that you are already aware of, but ask your customers how they view your business, products, and services. Their responses may surprise you! It may be something as little as a small change to the way you follow up with clients or it might be something a little more involved, like a fresh new look to your logo and branding.
Are you feeling even more overwhelmed now?
You don’t need to do it all at once! Set up a schedule for yourself – not just for your spring cleaning, but for your business activities as well. Break things down to see what your tasks are throughout the year, each month, week, and even each day to help you stay ahead of the curve — no more being surprised when that website renewal comes out of nowhere!
Still feel like a little too much for you? Hire out some help.
College students make great assistants. Not in your budget? Look into finding an intern – a college student or high school student looking to plump up their resume or complete a senior project could be just what you need.
It’s important to take the time to take care of your business. Chances are if you’re telling yourself that you don’t need to spring clean or don’t have the time to, you are probably more in need than you realize!
