You smell that in the air. Spring is getting near and for many, this time of the year is spent on spring-cleaning at homes. Dust brooms are coming out, windows are getting scrubbed and years-old papers are getting recycled. It gives you a feeling of a fresh start and helps you prepare for the rest of the year.

Are you doing the same with your business though? It probably needs a little bit of a spring-clean — in a manner of speaking — itself. Look around your office, it probably needs some decluttering, but how about your website as well? It could probably use some cleaning up, same with accounting books and marketing plans and more. 

As we transition from one season to another, this is probably the best time to do some spring-cleaning before you get so busy you don’t even have five minutes to sit and breath. Here are six ways to spring-clean your utility construction business:

Deep Clean Your Books

The tax season is quickly approaching, so one of the first things you can do is grab those accounting books or open that software and organize it. Review files and accounts, make sure the receipts are sorted. If you’re one of those people still doing it on paper, consider making a move to electronic means to track transactions and make this part of spring-cleaning a little bit easier on yourself. By moving to electronic methods, it’s easier to keep your books more organized throughout the year.

Clean up Your Website

When was the last time you updated your company’s website? It might be time to clean it up a bit. Ensure all the contact information for your company on the website — phone numbers, email addresses, fax numbers — are current. Nothing worse than realizing you’ve had a phone number or email listed that hasn’t been used in years. How many jobs have you missed because of that? 

Some smaller things you might need to update on your website or social media: your company’s logo, listing of services offered or your current service area. Chances are it has changed since you last took time to go through your website. 

Spruce up that Marketing Strategy

Along those same lines, take a look at your marketing strategy and spruce it up a bit. Is there a different advertising method that could work better for you? If you get feedback from your customers, see how they found you and move your marketing dollars to advertising in those methods. 

Wipe off the Business Plan

You needed a business plan when you first started your utility construction business, but it may not have been updated as needed over the years. Right now is the perfect time to dust off that business plan and see how well it has been followed and see where it needs to be updated. Maybe you’ve already surpassed all your goals from back then. Create a new plan with bold plans for the future. 

Straighten up the Inbox

We’re all good at letting the email inboxes full up a little too much sometimes right? As I’m looking at mine right now it’s at 226 emails. Go through those and see which ones you really need to keep or see if there is a better way you can organize your email. You will feel less stressed and ready to start each day with a bit of organization. 

Declutter the Office

Finally, do some real cleaning. Pick up those papers laying on the desks or counters. Straighten up the book shelves and even pull out the duster to get rid of some of those cobwebs. For customers that may come into the office, you want it to look nice and professional and if you have it cleaned and decluttered, it’s also easier on you getting work done as well because you’ll be able to find what you need easier.

STARTING OFF RIGHT

Take this time to do just a little bit of this spring-cleaning and you’ll feel like you’re ready to start the busy season off like you should … organized and prepared. 

Are there ways you try to get the busy time started off right? What are your suggestions? Email me at editor@digdifferent.com.

Enjoy this issue!