A lot of business owners experience a bit of a 'summer slowdown' as everyone heads off on holiday. Our tips outline how you can use this slower time of year as an opportunity get ahead of the crowd -- and your competitors.

1. Clear Books Must reads | June 2015
14 ways to get ahead
during a summer
slowdown
Over the next couple of months,
many businesses notice a bit of a
summer slowdown as everyone
heads off on holiday.
There’s no need to sit around twiddling your thumbs
though. Instead, why not try some of our tips to get
ahead of the competition before it’s back to business
as usual in September.

2. Clear Books Must reads | June 2015
3. Have a summer clear-out
Traditionally, the arrival of daffodils nudges us to sort out old stock, receipts and give everything a good
spring-clean. However if you didn’t get around to it this year, it’s not too late! You might even discover some old
notebooks full of long-forgotten but ground-breaking business ideas at the bottom of the wardrobe.
1. Attend summer
school
While we’ve associated summer with ‘holidays’ since school,
when you’re an adult it can actually be a great opportunity to
learn something new. Whether it’s simply reading in the garden,
catching up on some webinars, or signing up to a course online or
at your local college, it’s a great time to gain new skills to help your
business.
2. Exercise outside
Both your body and mind need to be in sync to function at a high
level. Make the most of the light evenings and milder weather
to do something active outside: go for a walk, run, hike or cycle.
Studies have shown that your brain has its best ideas when at its
most relaxed so, you never know, you might come up with that
ultimate product idea at the top of a mountain or swimming at
your local lido.

3. Clear Books Must reads | June 2015
4. Leave your
comfort zone
Good weather gives us a fantastic chance to try new things in a
new environment. As we all know, the UK has few truly ‘good’
days, so when you spot the sun come out, stimulate your brain
by going out and trying something different. Perhaps you could
get involved in some arts and crafts, go to a park on the opposite
side of town, or volunteer as a dog-walker! Anything to shock your
brain into looking at the world from a new perspective.
5. Get your paperwork in order
Get ahead of the crowd and prevent last-minute panicking later by getting your books in order. Whether it’s
tackling a box of receipts, starting your tax return or updating your contacts, the quieter summer months are a
great time to catch up on your admin and organisation tasks.
6. Refresh your business plan
In addition, not only is it summer, but it’s also halfway through the year, giving you a great reason to check your
progress against any goals you set back in January. You can update and amend these as needed, as well as
creating new ones to take you through to Christmas.

4. Clear Books Must reads | June 2015
7. Travel to get new
inspiration for your
business
Of course, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Travelling to a new
place, even if it’s just to the local countryside, can help generate
ideas and give you a new point of view. If you want to keep it
work-related, you could combine your travels with an industry
conference in a new city or country.
8. Host a networking
event outside
For those who can’t get away, you could consider taking
advantage of everyone’s sunny disposition by organising a few
informal business drinks at a local pub, park, or even in your own
garden if that’s appropriate for your business. Just make sure you
have a backup ‘undercover’ option in case the clouds come out!
If you don’t have the time or resources to host your own event
you could make it your mission to attend others that you wouldn’t
usually — try to make at least one new and useful contact per
session.

5. Clear Books Must reads | June 2015
10. Check in with
your staff
Bond and chat with your staff by treating them to a boat ride or
something else outdoorsy and stimulating. You could also go for a
picnic, barbeque or have a game or rounders. A change of scenery
will do everyone the world of good!
11. Revitalise your
diet
January is traditionally the time when people embark on new
diets and fitness regimes. However, it makes much more sense
to overhaul what you eat in summer when more fresh fruit and
veg is in season. A good diet can save you money, as well as being
essential for a quick brain — helping you get ready to take on
your competitors with renewed energy in September.
9. Meet your bank manager
Banks tend to also be a bit quieter over the summer, so make the most of this by booking an in-depth
appointment with your business manager. You can be the first to know about new offers or products and also
pick their brain about all things financial while you have the time to implement new ideas.

6. Clear Books Must reads | June 2015
14. Work in the
garden
And finally, if you work in an industry which doesn’t slow
down much over the summer then at the very least, take the
opportunity to get some vitamin D and take your laptop and a
cold lemonade into the garden or to your local park!
 www.clearbooks.co.uk
 twitter.com/clearbooks
 facebook.com/clearbooks
 linkedin.com/company/clear-books
13. Update your social media
accounts
On a similar note, when was the last time you gave your business’s social media profiles a once-over? Go
through them all with a fine toothcomb and make sure they’re up-to-date, that all of your information is correct,
and that you’re presenting the best image of your business possible. You should also take some time to follow
or ‘like’ new and interesting people.
12. Tailor your marketing to the
season
You could also take some time to review your marketing materials and give them a summery twist. To make
it worth your while, you could offer a seasonal sale to refresh stock and generate interest. Perhaps there’s a
particular demographic that only needs your product or service in the summer — such as parents with children
on school holidays.