Preparing your business for summer.

So, as summer arises, many of our home businesses suffer. Because of course, we want to be in the sun, our children are demanding more attention, and we want to give them our time and attention. But, no business can go for 3 months with marginal or no care, and be successful So, you owe it to your business and family to properly schedule and prepare for the excitement of summer!

1. Invest in some home fun!

So, yes, going to the park and lake and to a friends, etc. This is all really fun in the summer, but there are times that I want to stop running around the western United States, just want to stay at home. But, my children LOVE to swim. So, as white trash as this might seem, for about $150 I bought an above ground pool. It has saved my life. It is big enough for my three kids to play in while I sit on the deck and work on my computer! Find something that your kids absolutely love to do at home, and it will keep their interest through the summer.

2. Camps and playdates

Summer camps can be a great way to keep your kids learning and having fun, but can also be terribly expensive. If you cannot afford to pay for a summer camp, get together 3 or 4 other women that would like to trade off days or weeks, whatever you prefer, and hosts camps or playdates at their own homes. Yes, this will give you a day or a week with all the children, but it also frees up 3 other days or 3 other weeks for you to work on your business, without your childrens interruptions. This also prevents the dreaded summer boredom!

3. Make yourself a schedule.

First understanding that your schedule can and will change is a must. But, making weekly goals and schedules, will help your mind stay focused and fresh on business ideas and innovations, and will provide that family time that we all need.

4. Absolutes

We each have absolutes that we do each day. They might be prayer, shower, brush your teeth, laundary. Well, we need to have absolutes for our business as well.
Now if you run away and have a huge list of absolutes, this will defeat the purpose, because they will take up your whole day and realistically that won’t work.
So, try 1-2 hours of absolutes for your business each day, this might be business scheduling, tweeting, networking, returning emails, etc.
These absolutes are to be done first. Your daily work schedule will follow but has the option of being more flexible.

5. AM/PM Hours

Some of us are night owls, some of us are morning people, and then a few freaks out there are both. (I totally don’t get that)
Try, depending on your childrens schedule, to put 2 good late night hours or wee morning hours towards your business. Now, since your time is limited, focus on the most effective things that will assist your business that day. Obviously phone calls are out, but emailing, accounting, ad design and layout, commenting on your social groups or networks, whatever you think might be your absolute for the day.

Check out my great women in business blog at www.businesswomennetwork.com.

Nurturing our business through the summer is a must. Instead of scrambling and trying to catch up, get yourself prepared to enjoy your summer and your business. And, don’t forget the SPF!