I thought I would post a quick update of where things are at with the business.
In short, they are a bit slow.
Historically, we’ve been slow from usually the end of summer until mid-fall. After that things have almost always picked up.
We haven’t really picked up yet. We stayed a bit busier through summer but since then, there hasn’t been too much.
That’s not to say there isn’t anything. I have regular small tasks, and of course hosting and maintenance are constant. In fact, most of the renewals for hosting occur in December and January so I’ll have those coming.
But projects have been quite slow. We finished some big ones, and I’ve been in talks with many that might start “soon”, but so far none have. So I don’t really have any current projects underway.
There’s a good chance that will change, though. I have a new one that just confirmed they want to move forward today, and there are a few other larger ones that may begin any day.
I’ve also begun many marketing initiatives in earnest, and I may see those start to pay off soon.
I’m also thinking of doing things like visiting other BNI groups and seeing if that gets me new clients.
And in general, I should be focusing on ways to improve the business while things are slow so that I can continue growing.
But it will be interesting to look back and see how we did for the year, and also reflect in the future on the significance of the lull. I think we’re still on track to do well for the year despite COVID, but I’d still certainly like to do more!
I believe I did do quite well that year, and even better the next year. I don’t think “how busy I am with project work” is an accurate indicator of how I’m doing, and actually may be wildly counter-productive.
If my focus is on getting projects: surprise, I’ll get projects. And underemphasize other areas.
More to the point: I’d rather have project work be a small percentage of what we do. They are a necessary part of what we offer but I think my focus needs to be even more on other recurring services.