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What Is Your WORST Time Of Year?

by iAmNameLess
21 replies
Kind of a dreadful topic right? I'm pretty sure everyone has a slump at some point. My biggest struggle is preparation of slower months.

Maybe my optimism takes over, and makes me think that I can just work harder so sales don't drop. I do work harder, but the trend remains the same.

My worst months are December and January. I consistently get random WSO orders too, but not this time of year! LOL.

Logically, I know Christmas is here, and people have money to spend elsewhere, but I also know that some businesses want to get some last minute expenses for tax write offs. I also know in January, budgets are reset, and funds are cleared for many businesses. My optimism is here! Where are my damn sales? LOL.

I'm just curious about other warriors, when they have noticed slight slumps in sales? Do you struggle in December and January, or is it a different month? Why do you think it is? What would you do to improve your situation (aside from recurring income, already do that!)
#time #worst #year
  • Profile picture of the author Jason Kanigan
    The last two weeks of December through the first week of January are "dead" times for me. I just go on holiday and enjoy the time with the family.

    To plan for this, I do more work in October & November.
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    • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
      Originally Posted by kaniganj View Post

      The last two weeks of December through the first week of January are "dead" times for me. I just go on holiday and enjoy the time with the family.

      To plan for this, I do more work in October & November.
      Late october and early november were awesome for me! It is bitter sweet for me this time of year. It helps me realize that sometimes I just have to do more than what I usually do, and diversify. Cold calling is always effective but my conversions are lower than usual. Craigslist leads have become very limited, but that is mostly because I won't lower my rate...

      I think my mistake is, not going to my current customers. I probably should go back and upsell them, even if they weren't ready for it a few months ago.
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  • Profile picture of the author jacksters
    Summer, you rest at summer.
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  • Profile picture of the author iamchrisgreen
    None of it. Nothing stops you putting the work in that it takes to get clients.
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  • Profile picture of the author YellowGreenMedia
    There are no bad weeks or bad periods... Not for me at least
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  • Profile picture of the author JBroyer44
    Well I hope its not now as I am just ramping up! haha

    good thing is I booked enough work for December to get me through xmas.

    That is not going to keep me from posting CL ads and making calls though
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  • Profile picture of the author localvseo
    The week between Xmas and New Years can be a great time for business. Most people sign off and it's slow for businesses, so good time to make appts., follow up with current clients, etc. Bet they aren't getting many cold calls either that week so may be easier time to reach people if cold calling is part of your lead generation strategy.
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  • Profile picture of the author vivi62
    I would have to agree that late december and early january are the worst unless you are giving something away for free.
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  • Profile picture of the author RobKonrad
    My worst time of the year is usually when I wake up with a phaenomenal hangover on the morning of New Year's Eve....

    :-D

    Cheers,
    Rob
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  • Profile picture of the author TheMillionDollarMaker
    Used to be January but the last couple of years have been great!
    Just keep up the marketing effort and there shouldn't be any dips.
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  • Profile picture of the author Voasi
    Our slowest month is December. By no means is it dead, but we definitely don't sell as much as businesses want to wait till Jan. 1 to start. Lots of biz owners want to focus on family, Christmas, etc... Which really is an excuse, rather then saying "My wife is spending a buttload of money and I'm taking extra bonuses to cover it".
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  • Profile picture of the author Bruce NewMedia
    Worst time emotionally? It's April 15th, without a doubt. Sales however, seem good all year, thankfully. Having best December ever right now.
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    • Profile picture of the author ERPLeadsWriter
      Well now that I have a job, I actually can't say what time of year is the worst for me. There's still a lot of unknown factors. I do know I'm feeling a little content right now.

      I might be leaning towards November though if I manage to stay here permanently (and I'm pretty much hoping for that ). I notice a lot of my seniors here weren't very happy last month (and I suppose the prospect of Christmas is the only thing keeping them happy this month ).

      If I had answered a question like this last year though... it'd be October. Reason? Simple. I was a college student. Let's face it folks, the impending moment of seeing your grades can still shake you no matter how well you actually do. >_<;;;
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  • Profile picture of the author farangocard
    From my point of view, Summer is the worst time of the year. In this season, I can't go anywhere in noon time, because of the immense heat. However, I really enjoy to hang out in late nights.
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    • Profile picture of the author ERPLeadsWriter
      Originally Posted by farangocard View Post

      From my point of view, Summer is the worst time of the year. In this season, I can't go anywhere in noon time, because of the immense heat. However, I really enjoy to hang out in late nights.
      I guess you're not a beach person either huh?
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      • Profile picture of the author digichik
        My worst time of year is when I get in to a procrastination mode.

        Decemeber, has been great for me.
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  • Profile picture of the author Law guy
    Obviously it depends on your business model and the niche you operate in. I find summer months to be particularly slow due to everyone being away on holidays.

    December is actually good to me as people tend to generally be more willing to open their wallets during this time of year.

    If having slow months troubles you, you should look into diversifying your business. Acquire additional sources of income that do well during those months where your main business suffers. Easier said than done, but you will be better off if you take the time to do this.
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  • Profile picture of the author angelinawillium
    I think recession is worse season for me and my bussiness. November and december is good season for my business.
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    • Profile picture of the author Law guy
      Originally Posted by angelinawillium View Post

      I think recession is worse season for me and my bussiness. November and december is good season for my business.
      Recessions are not seasonal. And you could actually argue that they are an opportunity for people in IM. What with everyone losing their jobs or looking for extra income. Just got to know how to take advantage of bad situations
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  • Profile picture of the author kenyaengineering
    Capitalize on the good months and work extra hard during this time to compensate for the tougher times. With that you can now use December and January to relax and tour places. Alternatively think of starting some seasonal business that booms during these two months if you need to do business at those times.
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    • Profile picture of the author ametista
      My bad worst time of years is Summer.
      All people are in holiday.
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