Hot Ways to Use Toll Free Numbers during Summer Downtime

While many would agree that summer is their favorite time of year, it can also mean the slowest season of the year for small businesses. With families taking vacations to outdoor activities taking precedence, small business owners find they have a lot of free time on their hands…unless your business is a convenient beach resort, of course.

Instead of pacing back and forth waiting for customers to come into their stores or for the phone to ring, small business owners and entrepreneurs should take advantage of free time to devise strategies to increase sales. Starting with brainstorming toll free numbers, small business owners should consider these five ways to use summer downtime to prepare for the fall.

Brainstorm Toll Free Numbers

Gather your team together and sit down to brainstorm unique toll free number options. You want to create catchy toll free numbers that customers remember. For example, a pizzeria can create the toll free number 1-800-SAUSAGE to create a memorable number that their loyal customers pass on to friends and family members. Ask each team member to create five toll free numbers and discuss the merits of each number during meetings.

Develop Your Team

Summer downtime presents the perfect opportunity for professional development. From enhancing customer service interaction to describing the features of a new product, prepare your team to handle the increase in business during the fall and winter, especially during the holiday season. Remember that employee development is one of the leading reasons employees stay with their organizations. It makes employees feel valuable and boosts morale, which ultimately boosts productivity.

Devote Toll Free Numbers to Customer Service

Savvy small business operators understand the benefits of devoting toll free numbers to handle customer inquiries and complaints. Customer service toll free numbers allow your service-oriented team members to focus solely on customer concerns and questions. Once customers trust your professionalism, they are likely to stop by your store or visit your website to purchase or inquire about your products or services. Dedicated customer service numbers also provide you with a proven way to handle any customer concerns in a way they appreciate.

Write Content for the Small Business Blog

Successful content marketing programs include a monthly schedule of content creation. However, it’s more difficult for small business owners to follow the content schedule during the busier months of the year. Summer is an excellent time for you to catch up on website content creation. You can write about timeless topics that you upload any time during the year. If you run an automotive maintenance shop, you can create timeless content that describes how to rotate tires. Content is king for strong Internet marketing strategies.

Most Importantly…Take an Overdue Break

Small business owners work crazy schedules that turn them into entrepreneur zombies. They often put in twelve-plus hours per day, seven days a week. When things slow down during the summer months, small business owners should consider taking a much-needed break to rejuvenate the mental and physical juices. Place your small business in the hands of trusted associates and take a vacation far away from the grind of running a small business. This will also help small business owners and entrepreneurs gear up and prep for the busier months in the fall.