Ahhh! Spring! The time of renewal, Day Light Savings Time, planting and cleaning out the old unwanted stuff that accumulates.  Of course, here in the Rockies, it also means snow up the gadzoo! But there are still hints of the glorious weather ahead. It’s time for Spring Cleaning in your business as well. Out with the old and in with the new! It’s time to get ready for the expected pickup in business as spring rolls into summer.

When was the last time you practiced your “elevator speech”….that concise promo for your company that can be covered in about 10-15 seconds.  Then practice the “back stairs” speech.  That’s the 30 second edition of your elevator speech.  Use that only when there is enough time and interest to present it. Keep it informative, interesting and just enough information that the person you are talking to will want more information.

Consider the list of projects you have for the year.  Divide the tasks into each of the quarters. Outline what will be required to complete the projects and give yourself a timeline. Understand the old adage, “how do you eat an elephant? “One bite at a time!” Anything is possible in small manageable tasks.

Reorganize your computer desktop.  Sort through the emails and either delete them, print off necessary information, or set up files and folders to hold them for a later date. While you are reorganizing, sift through the mountains of trade magazines and information that you accumulate. Snip out the articles that are pertinent and either store them in a physical file, or scan them into a file on your computer. This is a good opportunity to share with others in your office.  Pass magazines and books that you are finished with to others who might benefit. While you are at it, clean out a drawer a week until your desk is perfectly organized and functional!

While you are at it, sort through books in your bookcase.  Donate unused books to the library or pass them to others in the office.  Many are finding success reselling unwanted books on EBay. Speaking of the library, most libraries carry a wide range of business books and books on tapes.  Make it a goal to expand your knowledge by utilizing the library. It wouldn’t hurt to sort through the books in your home as well. There are lots of literacy programs that can use children’s books as well as the library.

Talk to your top referral partners and ask what they like best—or least—about the service you provide.  This is a great opportunity to take them to lunch and find out what’s happening in their businesses.  Pointedly discuss how you can improve your service to them.  Review what their goals are for the next quarter and find ways to help them reach their goals as well.

Take time out for your support team.  They are the heart of what makes your team tick.  They are the unsung heroes of your business.  Write a thank you, give a gift card or take them to lunch to express your personal thanks for all the hard work they perform.

Work on your business by organizing business cards. Prioritize follow up calls. Create time blocks within your day to accomplish difficult projects, prospecting calls, and other business building activities.

Spring cleaning is a liberating experience.  In pioneer times, spring cleaning was welcomed as a chance to freshen up the entire household.  Use of wood burning fires, coal, and lighted candles tended to make the home dinghy and stuffy.  Spring and sunshine were welcomed as an opportunity to make the entire house clean and fresh and a harbinger to warmer months.  Use the same philosophy within your business.  Keep your business fresh and current by spring cleaning at least once a year.  Keeping your business organized and refreshed will make sure you are continually moving toward a smooth operating business that will take you through the year as a sales superstar.

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