We are in our off-season, i.e. that time of year where things start to slow down. If youโre a maker, spring or summer can be your off-season.
Don’t stress if you start to see your sales decline, because this is the perfect time to work on your business!
So here is what you should do during your off-season:
Take time for yourself
You spend so much time putting everything at the top of your priority list, but itโs important that you donโt forget about yourself. Do something for yourself.
Take some time for a project that inspires you, that serves you, allows you to try something different, or will teach you something new or benefits only you!
For me, I decided to knit sometime from my queue for myself out of some hand-dyed yarn I actually bought for me.
Do that thing you kept putting off
Itโs officially time to do that thing.
Maybe you have always wanted to write your own pattern.
Or maybe it’s time to clean out your stash.
You can also start a blog, a website, or a YouTube channel!
Or you want to try dye your own yarn!
For everything you kept putting off, nowโs the time!
Branding
Itโs time to get your branding set!
Whether itโs finalizing your logo, ordering new business cards, or figuring out your product packaging.
Thereโs a ton of inspirations but I always use Pinterest because itโs so easy to create a board for brand’ inspiration!
Update your shop
Take some time to review your shop and update everything in it! Reviewing each listing and updating things like the photos, keywords, and item descriptions.
Donโt forget to take update your About page too!
Dig into your next seasonal collection
I know it seems early, but it really is time to start thinking about your next seasonal collection.
I like to look at fashion trends and start to refine what styles Iโm most passionate about adding to my collection.
Plan on what things youโd like to incorporate into your collection and start working on them now!
Planning
Sit down and make a plan.
Make those deadlines for yourself, for your magazine and book submissions, and setting launch dates for all the things you plan to release!
Seeing everything on a calendar will help you visualize your time and help make sure you donโt overbook.
Stock up materials
Stay on the lookout for off-season sales and stock up where you can!
Now that youโve planned your collection, youโll know what you need to purchase. It helps to have your tools and materials ready to go. Then, get to work and start building your inventory.
