I’m on the road again and people often ask me – ‘how do you keep a presence online during the summertime and when you travel?’ First of all, I love the question because people around me know and recognize the importance and the value of staying front and center when you are in business.

It’s also very easy to get stuck in a rut during the other months of the year when we fall into routine and certain habits. That’s actually one of the reasons I LOVE the summer months (no matter what part of the world you live in and work in). It’s time to break the mold. Get away from the norm. Get creative.

It IS important to keep a presence online in the summer time. To ‘take a break’ is a hazard to your business. Seriously! Why do you think Pepsi and MacDonald’s continuously advertise???? Because people’s attention span is that of a gnat. And it is no different with our prospects and clients. Here are a few different ways that I stay visible in the summer months–

1. MIX IT UP!

For those of you who subscribe to this newsletter, you have come to expect to receive it on Thursday afternoons, at 2:00 p.m. EST. I have been consistent with this for the past 6+ years! Consistency is important – but a written newsletter is not the only method for communicating. Mix it up – in additional to my e-zine, you have received videos, audios, photos etc.

Action step: Look at ways that you can mix it up over the next few weeks to keep it interesting and compelling for your community – and have fun with it! You may want to just shoot a brief video with great content from an interesting place over the summer – and it doesn’t always have to have that ‘office/professional’ look about it. Make it fun.

2. INVITE GUEST EXPERTS

Once you’ve been in business for any length of time, you develop great connections. Look to your amazing circle of influence and invite guest experts to either write an article for you, or interview them and send the audio out. Sometimes just a difference ‘voice’ with a powerful message hits the spot with your community. It keeps things interesting and keeps people guessing.

Action step: If/when travelling, and you want to disconnect for a period of time, reach out to your network and have them support you with a great article. This is a win-win-win for everyone involved.

3. SHARE THE WEALTH

I am constantly reading and researching information for my own personal and professional development. There are many times I come across an article that I just want to share with people. Do that. That takes the pressure off you from having to come up with fresh content each week – and it also gives people insight as to where you look/what you do for continuous learning. That makes it fun for everyone.

Action step: Sharing links to great content is a great way to support other experts in your field as well as introduce them to your own community. This broadens the field for everyone involved.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE ALL THE TIME!

While I know that I bring value to my community, I also know and realize that a change is good. I also like people to be surprised and delighted with what I bring to them. And I also like to keep my name and face out there – even when I am not necessarily right there, in that very moment.

YOU CAN DO THIS TOO. TRY IT – YOU’LL LIKE IT!

How will you keep a presence online over the summer months?

Be sure to post your comment and let me know – I’m always open to learning from others.

Author: Pat Mussieux

Pat has built the new business she's dreamed of, without compromise. She has been nominated, for the past 4 years, for the Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award and have won 4 STEVIE Awards for Women in Business. Pat has also hosted her own local radio show for 4 years and now hosts a live talk show on local TV interviewing successful women entrepreneurs and sharing their stories. She has written 3 books – the latest of which is ‘Stop Compromising and Make All the Money You Want! A Do-It-Yourself Guide for Starting Up and Starting Over.’