Quarterly Planning: Q3
Q3: july, august, september
Planning ahead is one of the best tips I can give for running a successful business. You have to think ahead to not be overwhelmed. If you’re keeping the plan in your head, it’s easy to lose track of the details. And that can lead to feeling overwhelmed and always behind. (This is something we run into ourselves!)
Plans, lists, and calendar reminders are some of the things we’ve found that help keep us on track. Each quarter, we’ll be posting a list (NOT all inclusive) of things to keep track of, items to update, and tips for planning for future holidays.
You can use the list below as a reminder to help you create your own task list or planning schedule. It’s not all inclusive - add to it as needed.
MAJOR HOLIDAYS
Major holidays need thought and attention BEFORE the holidays. Below you’ll find some things to consider.
christmas ❄ (monday, december 25, 2023)
July/August:
Plan holiday specials - what will you sell in-store and/or on your website? What sizes, colors, and flowers do you want to include?
If you have records from last year, review them now!
Plan your Christmas marketing campaign
Decide what Christmas specials and services you’ll be offering this year
Create a rough draft marketing plan for email, social media, and your website
Create recipes for each special
Order Christmas hardgoods
If you’re using special holiday packaging materials, order now
Estimate how many of each special you want to sell
If this isn’t your first holiday season, refer to last year
September:
Start Holiday Home Decorating marketing (if you’re offering this service)
Home decorating starts in late October or early November so you want to start filling your schedule now!
Start looking for extra help—designers, delivery drivers, phone help, etc.
You don’t necessarily need to ask them right now BUT it’s good to have the list of people you’re going to ask
Minor Holidays
Minor holidays don’t take as much pre-planning, but it’s still good to think about them beforehand. It’s up to you if you promote these or not.
Homecoming 💃 (dates vary by school)
August:
Decide what items you’ll be offering for homecoming
This could be the same as your Prom line-up from the spring
Review your supplies & order materials as needed
Create your homecoming marketing plan for email, social media & website
September:
Confirm homecoming dates with your local high-schools
Start your marketing campaign
Put your specials on your ecommerce site
Confirm extra help if needed (based on homecoming dates in your area)
SEASONAL CHANGES
As holidays end and seasons change you need to think about making ecommerce updates as well as changing retail space displays. Go through this list to make sure you’re prepared for the new seasons.
July:
Update your website with summer designs. Remove spring-specific designs.
July is generally a slower month, which makes it a perfect time to…
Work on your blog. Write a few that can be used when you’re too busy in the fall to sit down & write.
Work on your social media. Plan, prep, write, etc. so it’s ready to go with minimal thought during your busy time.
Tidy up the shop, organized supplies, toss old stuff, clean, clean, clean!
Refresh your website
E-commerce: add the summer specials
Website: add recent weddings (either to your blog or photo galleries)
Website: read through it & update as needed. Remove things that no longer apply, add new services, etc.
August:
August is another slow month. To engage your customer base, you can offer summer promotions
Welcome back to school for teachers is a great one
Include a coupon in your newsletter
Promote ‘Back to School’
September:
Update your website with fall designs. Remove summer-specific designs.
Start your homecoming marketing
FINANCIALS
Each month you need to be aware of what taxes are due and prepare for upcoming expenses. Staying on top of your financials is crucial to running a successful business! This, more than anything else, will determine your success as a business.
July:
Self employment taxes
File your sales tax
Pay monthly payroll taxes
Quarter 2 profit/loss review
profit/loss for major holidays (if any)
Save for upcoming big expenses
Check in with your CPA
Cash flow - set aside portion of this months income for slow periods OR if slow period, withdraw money from that fund
August:
File your sales tax
Pay monthly payroll taxes
Profit/loss review of previous month
Save for upcoming big expenses
Check in with your CPA
Cash flow - set aside portion of this months income for slow periods OR if slow period, withdraw money from that fund
September:
Self employment estimated payment
File your sales tax
Pay monthly payroll taxes
Profit/loss review of previous month
Save for upcoming big expenses
Check in with your CPA
Cash flow - set aside portion of this months income for slow periods OR if slow period, withdraw money from that fund
**DISCLAIMER - This list is not exhaustive. We are not tax or legal professionals. You are responsible for your own deadlines, tax and legal obligations.
POST MORTEMS
Time to refresh and follow up after these big holidays. After each holiday record your thoughts, what went well, where you had issues, what the weather was like, what you want to do different next year. It’s good to write these down in a place where it’s easy to find next year!
There aren’t any major holidays during July, August, or September, so it’s a good time to do a post mortem on the wedding season
SELF CARE
Taking care of your business is very important but taking care of yourself and your employees is just as important, if not more! Don’t forget to take the time to relax and destress, especially after busy seasons.
July is a great month for vacations. These can be scheduled for everyone at the same time (close your shop for a week while you all enjoy some down time), or stager vacations for your team.
August is a good self care month
Do something nice for your employees - gift cards, day off, bonus, buy them a meal
It’s also a good time to schedule continuing education!
Need some personalized help with all this?