Build business momentum without sacrificing your summer.
As Canada Day comes into sight, it’s tempting to put your business goals on the back burner.
Maybe you run a seasonal business, and this is your busiest time – you’re just executing every day, reacting to whatever is in front of you.
Maybe your capacity is reduced because you, your team, and even your favourite suppliers are taking time off.
Or maybe you have kids home for the summer, leaving you less time and energy for anything that doesn’t feel critically urgent.
Or instead, you could choose to believe that the summer season presents a real opportunity for those who keep their big picture goals in mind.
Here are three ideas to keep your momentum strong this summer, without sacrificing your vacation days.
1. Forget Goals – What Are Your Targets?
Goals like “make more money” or “take time off” don’t count for much. Instead, focus on setting clear targets that tell you exactly what you will achieve, by when. The best targets feel like they’re just out of reach, like you can reach them if you sprint… but not so far away they feel impossible.
Target Examples: “Read 6 books by Labour Day” or “Earn 10 5-star Google reviews in the next 6 weeks”
2. Focus on Progress, Not Outcomes
Work backward from your target to figure out what you’ll need to do between now and the deadline. Think about a coffee loyalty card, where 10 stamps earn a free coffee. What do you need to do to earn each stamp as you work toward your target?
Example: “Read one book every two weeks” or “contact 5 past customers every week with a unique note and a link to our review page.”
Coffee loyalty cards work because the gap between where you are and the final goal shrinks with every purchase. When you’ve got 5 stamps, one more will get you 20% of the way to your goal. By the time you’ve got 8, the next purchase gets you 50% closer. As the distance shrinks, each stamp is more valuable.
Use a visual progress tracker to build momentum.
3. What’s the Point?
Targets can take us away from something we don’t want (e.g. get out of debt, lose weight) or toward something we do want (e.g. financial freedom, better health).
This summer, focus your energy on what you’re moving “towards” rather than “away from”. Studies have shown we’re more likely to stay motivated for longer when we’re working toward something we want.
This Week’s Takeaway
Summer’s a great time to relax and recharge. Instead of throwing your goals for the year out the window, get laser focused on hitting a couple of key metrics that really matter.
If you narrow your focus, think through how to achieve your target, and keep a visual tracker of your progress handy, you’ve set yourself up to win the summer and head into fall with positive momentum.
This is Marketing: by Seth Godin
Seth Godin’s “This is Marketing” shares valuable insights on marketing that can benefit anyone in business. “This is Marketing” offers a fresh perspective on presenting your product or service, no matter what it is, helping you connect meaningfully with the right people. If you’re interested in enhancing your marketing approach, this book is a great resource to consider.
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