Shake Off Those Cobwebs and Give Your Business New Life

by Kim Niemi

So, it’s officially fall, and if your mother is anything like mine, the words “fall cleaning” have been uttered numerous times since the moment of the equinox. 

Fall cleaning is actually a good idea (she admitted grudgingly), but it’s not just about packing away your flip-flops and tank tops in exchange for cozy sweaters and fleece pajamas. It's something your business MUST do - and most don't, making for a long, hard winter.

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As a new fiscal year begins (if you’re on the October to September schedule), and to get ahead of the busy holiday season (when you quite simply will not have the time), it’s a good idea to give some key areas a little refresh. Here are a few:

Online privacy – Facebook alone changes its settings too often to count, so check out yours and make sure they’re set appropriately; update passwords to be sure your accounts are secure, and have employees do the same

Social media profiles – Is your bio up to date? (Don’t forget to add any awards or recognition you’ve received over the past year!) How’s that picture you’ve been using – still representative of the current you? If not, swap it out for one that is. You don’t want to change your picture often, because it helps people associate with your online presence, but once a year is fine.

Dead-end leads – As your business strategies change, so does your target audience. Someone who may have seemed like a good fit two years ago (but hasn’t opened an email newsletter since) might not be anymore. It’s okay to say goodbye (quietly, by removing them from your CRM database) so you can focus on leads you can actually convert.

Content strategy – In tandem with the leads tip above, if your message has evolved but your content strategy hasn’t, then it’s time to change that. Consult your analytics, check out how your favorite influencers are doing things, and make any necessary adjustments that will help you better reach your target audience.

These are just a few areas to dust the cobwebs from. You may find others that need your attention more. Be sure to share them with me below!


IMAGE CREDIT: DAVID MORRIS