We may not really get the four seasons in the same way here in the Middle East, but somehow the feeling of new beginnings and spring time still reach us. That drive to clear out clutter and make a fresh start can be pretty powerful, so how do you apply it to your business?
- Start with your website.
Your website is the online office/showroom, open to all, that enables your customers and potential customers and staff to reach you. It should therefore be well organized and represent your business in the best light possible. A good clear out should allow time to check for loading speeds, clear relevant images and to update your information. Take the time to check out new web designers and any new trends.
- Clean up your inbox.
This may not be the most pleasant experience or a particularly enjoyable task, but a clean inbox means a clean mind. Once everything is cleared up you will be glad you put in the effort.
If you can’t clear your inbox completely every night, try and keep your inbox limited to a few pending items, no more than a screens-worth. For those with an email count beyond single digits, the good news is that you do not have to sit down and painfully delete every email one by one! There are automated tools that can filter through the bulk, deleting unnecessary emails by either keyword or subject. To avoid future email clutter once you’re clean, set up a system that sorts them into folders and keeps things organized.
- Let go of the paper files.
They are bulky, cumbersome and tend to gather a lot of dust! Storing information in file cabinets means that you are relying on an archaic system of hard copies, which can be lost or damaged. Technology has made it easy for businesses to store and retrieve information by scanning, capturing relevant info, indexing and archiving, whether to a hard drive or the cloud. The cloud offers the most flexibility, allowing you to easily access your well organized files from any location. The best thing is that your files will be safe and secure at an affordable cost. If you want to know more about capture solutions and content management systems, just let us know!
- Revamp your social media presence.
When was the last time you updated your Facebook and Twitter profiles? Do you even use these platforms for your business? Has the profile picture or background been the same for the last few years? It is important that you come up with regular fresh content for your online followers. Catchy updates, new colours and updated information is a great way to get your customers to notice you again. Most businesses lose their competitive edge when they become too comfortable, forgetting that their clients’ attention may easily get caught on to something else in the market.
- Conduct performance appraisals.
To give yourself a fresh start on a positive note, you need a motivated team behind you. What better way to encourage your staff than by rewarding the ones who did well last season? Evaluate each employee to know their goals, strengths and areas for development, and ultimately to ensure you get better results. Do not forget to get feedback on YOUR management style to allow you to be a better leader for your employees.
- Re evaluate your business goals.
Is the company where it is supposed to be in terms of KPI’s and objectives? So many people carry on with busy office activities, losing sight of the specific goals, without actually catapulting the business forward. Now is a good time to take stock and use the spring energy to push the team in the right direction.
Spring cleaning means more than carpet cleaning and window washing for businesses. After taking care of the aesthetics, a smart manager will sit down with employees to come up with ways to focus the renewed spring energy towards better achievement for the company. We would love to hear your thoughts though, are there more business spring cleaning tips that you would add? Let us know in the comments section!
