“It’s summertime – and the living is easy. Time to wind down for a few months since no one does any business in the summer.” – I hear that statement from so many women entrepreneurs – it makes me crazy!

In the words of my coach, Suzanne Evans, ‘are you a hobby owner or are you a business owner?”  Slow down? No! It’s time to keep going and to keep growing. But here’s the beautiful thing about that mindset – if, in fact, you are surrounded by competitors and other entrepreneurs who think this way, it’s time for YOU to get excited.

A few summers ago, when I first moved to this location on the east coast, I heard that ‘summer slow- down’ statement a lot.  I got excited because I created a plan and a strategy to network even more – and my business grew 1000% that month of July. Isn’t that what you want, too? People around me were so busy telling me the ‘truth’ (as THEY believed it to be!) – that ‘everyone’ was away at the cottage. Really? Everyone, I wondered? No way that could be true – and I was on a mission to do business with those who were not away. Mission accomplished! Such joy – for me and for them.

Business owners have a plan for each month of the year. That is what helps to keep you off the revenue roller-coaster.

Here’s my simple solution for you to help you grow your business over the next few months. Remember – I’m all about keeping it simple, folks.

1)      Identify your revenue target for each of the next 3 months.

Get very clear about how much revenue you want to generate – write it down on a calendar page in big, bold print (yes, that makes it r.e.a.l.).

2)      Plan Your Networking Events.

This may be a quieter time of year for networking – but 1-1 is just as effective, if not more so than meeting in larger groups. Take a look at all those business cards you’ve collected over the past few months (that are probably piled up on your desk somewhere). Time to reach out to those people and schedule meetings with them.

3)      Have clear goals.

Whether you are meeting in person, following up by email, scheduling complimentary strategy sessions by telephone, have clear goals for each conversation. What specifically do you want to accomplish? What product or service do you have available to support that person? How much revenue do you want to generate that particular day?

4)      Put your plan in writing for each of the 3 months.

There are so many different ways to generate revenue in the summer months. Have a product sale. Host an in-person event. Ask your current clients for referrals. Create a special 3-month program for a small group.

5)      Get help!

This is probably the ideal time for you to reach out and get help. If you are not working with a business coach, now is the time. Get out of your own way – and work with someone who can show you the way. Just be sure you choose someone who, in fact, is growing their own business and can teach you what works.

I do believe in pacing yourself as an entrepreneur. As I’ve said many times, this is not for the faint of heart. It is so much easier, however, and much more financially rewarding to have a plan, work the plan, make money and have fun, too.

There are always ideal clients just ready and waiting to work with you. Pain does not go on vacation. People who are looking for change, growth, development – in areas of time, money, health and relationships – don’t want to wait a few months for change to happen.

So, get out there – make a difference – serve people – make money – and have fun, too!

What plans do you have to grow your business this summer?

Please share your thoughts!