MADELINE YOUNG | DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Did you know the Naples Chamber has a Small Business Council? Collier County’s economy is dependent on small businesses and we value feedback and insight from each of our local entrepreneurs.
During July’s meeting, 15 council members from varying industries got together to discuss “out-of-season” tactics in slower months. Blase Ciabaton from Naples Print Source led the conversation and cited a few ideas that keep his business running through the summer heat. Keeping top talent Those among the conversation said that finding ways to keep their top talent all year instead of losing them makes a significant difference on productivity and efficiency. Some examples to keep talent include hiring more part-time employees to keep their hours through the summer instead of cutting back, supplying flexible or remote work-time, providing “loyalty bonuses,” or planning individual or team volunteer days helps to maintain and engage staff members. Find out what your team is looking for and how you as an employer can better serve them. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to buy the team lunch occasionally, to show that sign of appreciation. Diversifying Understanding your client’s needs is a great way to stay busy all year round. For example, Naples Print Source, known for its high-quality design and printing services understood their client’s needs for a database manager and found it perfectly aligned with their expertise and skill set. Now, they have diversity within their offerings and have budgeted work throughout the year that is less periodic. Consider planning a “listening tour.” Go out and talk with customers. Find out ways that you can make their lives easier. Summer schedules are typically less chaotic, and that’s the perfect time to get qualitative insight, reflect and enhance your services. Diversifying your client-base is another way to stay busy June-September. Finding clients in varying industries is a strategic way to manage the company’s workload. Supporting businesses in tourism, healthcare, nonprofit and government is an ideal way to expand your reach. Planning Projects for the Slow Months Take time to work with your team to prepare and “batch” projects for the entire year. Whether it’s prepping that quarterly marketing plan, cleaning up the database or preparing materials, finding the time to build a backup for when things get crazy will prove to be invaluable in staying organized and efficient. Planning strategic internal projects in the summer months can keep creativity flowing when client work might slow down. If you are a small business owner or work for a small business, consider joining the Chamber’s Small Business Council. To find out more contact bethany@napleschamber.org.
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