Managing a Storefront AND Events During the Busy Season
After a long year of uncertainty, it looks like we’re finally seeing the break in the clouds as events begin to pick up for 2021. For many, this may feel like the fresh start that your business deserves. However, that feeling is likely also accompanied by a sense of nervousness at what lies ahead for this year’s busy season.
If you’re like me, you’re not only managing a storefront but a new wave of upcoming events.
That can certainly be intimidating as we approach the return to normal. Don’t worry - I’ve compiled a few tips and tricks to help put your best foot forward…
1. Have a great team in your corner
Any seasoned business owner knows that they wouldn’t be able to run a smooth system without a well-rounded team. Now, for those of us with multiple hats, this may mean that you have specialized staff all around you.
For starters, it’s crucial that you have your core business staff. I have assistants and office staff that keep my schedule and day-to-day tasks in check. If you have a storefront, this may also entail that you have a team that runs the retail side of things. Staffing for events is another grouping that might be in your corner to ensure that logistics are met for each celebration under your belt. Another facet of your staff will be your PR, marketing, or other personnel that you may outsource to keep your business afloat.
2. Streamline internal and client-facing processes
One of the best things I ever did for my business was streamlining everything that I could, especially for the brunt of the busy season. This allowed my team some freedom, and it gave me the peace of mind I needed as well – not to mention the ease of use for many of the client processes we had in place.
It’s not required that you make huge shifts in technology or bite off more than you can chew when it comes to changing the way your team operates. Take small steps! Start by implementing tools such as Evernote to collaborate more seamlessly with your clients when planning. Consider auditing your scheduling software for appointments or the POS system for your storefront. Facilitate more frequent virtual check-ins with staff and clients if needed. There’s always room for improvement.
3. Be transparent with boundaries and expectations
An often overlooked aspect of keeping everything in line during the busy season is the idea of setting concrete boundaries and expectations – whether it be with your team or with your clients. Be transparent with what you’re comfortable doing, and don’t be afraid to work in time for yourself.
For example, with the exception of rare circumstances, I only schedule client consultations on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This allows me to have greater flexibility throughout the week to prepare for weekend weddings and events - plus, I can ensure that projects such as installations continue to move forward without issue.
As creatives and business owners, we want to be accessible to those around us. But doing this on a 24/7 basis can lead to burnout, and it allows those in your circle to overstep if you don’t stand your ground. You’ll feel much more in control with a set schedule, and better yet, it leads to a clearer state of mind and a healthier management style.
This pending return to the way things were is exciting and unpredictable in equal measure, but it’s important to remember that we shouldn’t stretch ourselves too thin. Keep in mind what you and your team need in order to take 2021’s busy season by storm!
You can read more helpful business blog posts here, and explore all of my courses and tutorials at eddiezaratsian.com/education.
