Let’s face it, it's on everyones’ minds and I am sure as the “Off Season” comes upon us we are all feeling the same amount of stress.  So why don’t we discuss best practices and try to reduce this stress by talking about the “Off Season” in a bit more detail.  Here are a few suggestions to consider in an effort to help ensure your “Off Season” becomes a special time of the year to actually look forward to. 

1. Let’s Start This Conversation by Talking About 

Diversify your Services
Focus and schedule projects that are not affected by weather conditions. Offer specials on these projects to promote your customer base to take action. Expand your own services into related fields, drywall repair, pressure washing, or carpentry work. This adds value and keeps your team busy.

Seasonal promotions you can offer discounts or bundled packages for clients who schedule their work during the off-season.

2. Maintain Relationships & Pipeline

Follow-ups & Referrals 
Contact previous customers for feedback, offer maintenance or touch-ups, don’t be shy, ask for referrals.  Who do you know that might like similar work I did for you?  Also ask for online reviews so that potential customers can make a decision even at midnight!  All this can be done through Estimate Rocket’s CRM.

Loyalty Programs 
Create programs that offer discounts or perks for repeat customers or referrals within a certain period of time.  Possibly within a year?  I could do an entire blog on the potential loyalty programs your company can offer.

Email Marketing & Social Media
Keep clients engaged with newsletters featuring tips, project highlights, and off-season specials.  Also encourage them to follow you on Social Media where you should be posting weekly.  Even once a week is a great start and you could launch with before and after pictures.

3. Improve Skills & Business Processes

Team Training & Certification
Use the off-season to invest in skills like color theory, latest techniques, or certifications that can give you an edge in the industry. Train your team to be more efficient, learn new techniques, or gain customer service skills to provide a better client experience.

Boost Marketing & Branding
Social Media Presence: Showcase past projects or run campaigns that offer tips for homeowners during winter months. Use this time to grow your online presence.  I like the “keep it simple” rule and this enables you to take baby steps.  Even write some simple blogs with photos to boost your brand awareness.

Your Stories of Success
Create case studies and success stories of past work to use in marketing. Updating your website or creating blogs and videos can also help generate interest.  I know we talk about the great benefits of taking “before” and “after” photos which can take your story to the next level.  This shows commitment to excellence, professionalism and relevance.  Getting you one step closer to YES!

4. Offer Off-Season Discounts for Future Projects

Let’s Get Going Pre-booking New Projects
Offer clients discounts or priority scheduling for projects they book during the off-season for warmer months.  Let your clients know you book out months ahead of time which will create a call to action!

Gift Certificates
Introduce gift certificate offers for holidays, allowing clients to give a loved one a discounted contracting service.  Ask a local smart high school teen to help you launch on-line gift cards.  They are free and I know I would love getting a gift certificate for help around the house.

5. Prepare for Peak Season

Equipment & Inventory Maintenance
Ensure all your tools, equipment, and vehicles are well-maintained and ready for the next season.  Just like your car all tools need to be “tuned up” so off season is the perfect time for that to do.

Optimize Your Business Processes
Use software like Estimate Rocket to streamline quoting, billing, project management, along with team communications and scheduling.   Get your teams fully trained and ready to Rock & Roll!

Collaborate with Contractors
Attend any in-person expos that interest you.  Partner with complimentary contractors, interior designers, or real estate agents to offer package deals and cross-referrals.  Peer to peer meetings are exhilarating and truly should be done throughout the year.

Community Involvement
Get out there and meet your community!  Volunteer your services for local non-profits, which builds goodwill and keeps your brand and name visible.

Taking proactive steps to maintain business momentum during the off-season will help painters stay profitable and prepared for busier times.

Plan to Recharge Your Mind, Body and Soul
I did leave this one for last but frankly it should be at the top of this blog.  Without you working at your peak performance level as the leader your company can truly suffer so please go to the doctors regularly, eat light and healthy and exercise regularly.  Walking is an outstanding form of exercise 🙂

Other ideas…

• Plan a family vacation
• Buy tickets to fun events 
• Schedule your team training and continuing education
• Plan a team building outing
• Exercise - I know some people dread this word but getting your blood flowing and more oxygen in your body is exhilarating.  And can make you feel 10 years younger and stronger.  Walking is a form of exercise so it is a great place to start.  

Remember, it is not hard to turn lemons into lemonade and frankly that is what all of us entrepreneurs do on a daily basis. We are creators because nothing has been handed to us so I know you’ve got this!  Budget for the monthly income fluctuations and then put into place some of these ideas. At Estimate Rocket we want you, your business and family to THRIVE!!  Let us know how we can assist you and your business.