6 Tips for Weathering the Off-Season
As work slows down in the off-season, it can get harder to stay motivated as you face lighter days and empty job sites. For contractors, how you use this downtime matters a lot when the busy season rolls around again.
Think of the off-season as a time to hit the reset button. It’s a time to sharpen skills, invest in your crew, maintain and upgrade equipment, and organize your operation. With the right mindset and approach, weathering the off-season doesn’t have to mean standing still — it’s a golden opportunity to get ahead.
Here are six tips to stay productive and prepare your business to come back stronger than ever.
PLAN AHEAD
Don’t let slow days accumulate into wasted months. Use the off-season to plan for the projects you’ve already secured for later. Review your upcoming projects to ensure you have the crew, supplies, and equipment you need. Having a well-thought-out plan for the upcoming season will keep your crew motivated and prepared.
TAKE ON SMALLER JOBS
The off-season can be a great time to consider picking up side projects, prep work, or smaller jobs, such as maintenance work. By taking on smaller jobs, you can keep using your skills, stay busy, and earn some extra income. You’ll also make connections with people who could offer you bigger jobs in the future.
LEARN OR TEACH SOMETHING NEW
Take advantage of downtime by brushing up on your current skills or learn something new. The off-season is a great time to host safety training for your crew. Incorporate OSHA guidelines or certification courses to make sure your crew stays compliant.
If you’re looking to start or grow your contracting business, learn more about business development, business operations, budgeting, marketing during the slow period — whatever interests you and can help your business growth.
Or, if you’re at the point where you’ve successfully grown your contracting business, teach others so they can learn from you as an expert. Host workshops at your own space or even reach out to local schools to teach students — potential employees — about your day-to-day work life.
MAINTAIN YOUR EQUIPMENT
A tool breaking during a project costs time and money, so using the off-season to get tool maintenance and repairs done will help you be ahead of the game when things pick up again.
Take care of any overdue repairs and ensure your vehicles are job-site ready, so you can immediately hit the ground running as soon as you secure a project.
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS AND STAY IN TOUCH
Even when work is quiet, stay in touch with your building material supplier, clients, and fellow contractors. Follow up on leads, find out if past clients have anything new in the works, and do check-ins to maintain a strong network that will keep you top of mind for future work.
TIDY UP
When was the last time you organized your tools and took inventory? The cold weather months are the ideal time to clean house. Organize tools and supplies and take inventory so you have an idea of what you’re well stocked on and what you need more of ahead of the busy season.
When you need tools repaired, materials delivered, or just want a friendly face to talk to about the construction industry, stop by and see us at Miller’s Building Supply at 1819 E. Monroe St. in Goshen. We’re happy to be your partner during all seasons.