Seasonal Shifts
As the height of summer 2024 approaches we business owners can’t help but think about the approaching fall season. After years of pandemic boom and bust our region is returning to its normal seasonal rhythms. Yes, we did gain in population but as the rental and now real estate markets are showing there is a return of the professional workforce to the city. The seasonal nature of Tahoe coupled with the unique experience of living in a tourist town is not for everyone.?
So far my predictions of a post pandemic return to longer shoulder seasons was accurate in Fall of 2023. This past spring reinforced my predictions. I don’t mean to put out doom and gloom here. The seasonal flow of life is why I’ve thrived in Tahoe all these years. The quiet moments in between I have always found precious. It’s a time to lovingly stow away the season’s toys, languish in your new “best of “ memories, and open up to the excitement of “what’s next”.?
Well marketing for “what’s next” is where I begin.
I love what I do so I embrace the future with my passion.
We all know the businesses that have solid, well branded marketing by their consistent flow of customers. In the past few years these industry leaders have been at times overwhelmed and that left lots of overflow for the businesses on the fringes. For those that have relied on the overflow it’s time to take the next step and invest in a good brand and marketing plan.
Start with building up your brand now:
These are a power practices to adopt for every season. Back in the time when I worked for Jake’s On The Lake, the managers had to log a daily diary. Even then I could see the immense value in the data they collected over the years.? Did you know the slowest week of the year was the week after Thanksgiving??
Next is using the season’s momentum to fuel your marketing for late summer and into fall. The content you capture now will be useful in late summer marketing to your people. ,Visually reminding them to get one last summer experience in, and to attract those procrastinating first timers.?
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Begin to extend the summer now with:
For those of us who have been living with the seasonal rhythms for a while this comes naturally and we welcome the break. My first business in Tahoe was “Tuck-n-Tack Upholstery” my slow season was January. I stressed the first few years until I embraced the flow, made sure I purchased my ski pass, and spent the first three weeks of every January saving money by focusing on skiing every morning. My winter shop hours changed from 9-6 PM to 2 - 10 PM and my loyal clients loved that I gave discounts and more attentive service to those who waited. This Staycation I took every year was my saving grace and solidified my entry into being a small business owner. This brief break every January ended exactly on March 15th. How do I know this? The daily calendar I kept, a lesson I learned from my restaurant days.? On that day the phone rang all morning long without fail, even if it was a weekend.?
The difference between surviving a slow season and thriving in one is being prepared, embracing what each season brings, and knowing that it will end when the next season begins.
If there is a topic you’d like to hear more about by all means comment below or direct message and I’ll do my best.
Nothing better than a good question to jump into.
Reach out for a talk over coffee or a hike I give information freely. I only ask to be paid when I do the work. [email protected]
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Trina Gold?
Master Creator