Tips for Today: Become the Student

You don’t have to be a student, parent, or teacher to appreciate “back to school” sentiments. As the air turns crisp, it’s clear that summer goofing off is over and it is time to hunker down and get back to work. Here are a few tips for channeling your inner student and using that mindset to propel your business forward:

Make a Schedule

In the same way that students have a new schedule for the school year, your business can benefit from a new routine. If you’ve been slacking on social media or other marketing efforts (newsletters, signage), make a schedule to tackle these issues. You can go long-term (over the course of a few months), or create time each day to work on your marketing projects.

Meet Up With Old Friends

Remember seeing your friends for the first time after summer vacation? You had so much to catch up on. Funny enough, the same goes for your business colleagues! Vendors, partners, customers and colleagues are likely settling back into their post-Summer grooves as well, so pick a time to meet up with them and exchange ideas. Who knows? You both might come away from your meeting inspired and ready to take on the “semester.”

Enroll

It just feels natural to learn something new in September. Take a course on something you’re not quite sure about (social media, photography or business finance) or pick up a book to better your management or selling skills! (Don’t forget to sharpen your No. 2 pencils!)

See What’s (and Who’s) New

Is your business located in a college or university town? Invite new (and current) students by for an open house at your small business. Use this opportunity to welcome students to the community and make sure they know where you are, what you do, and how you can make their lives easier. And no matter your location, use this change in seasons to check out what’s happening in your neighborhood – have new restaurants or shops popped up? Stop by to introduce yourself, and invite your neighbors over to see what you’re all about.