If you're reading this, you probably tend to work too much and you are not very good at slowing down. Most entrepreneurial types have racing minds and don't do well with idle time. Plus, we're always chasing the feeling that we're on the verge of something big and amazing.
December is when lots of people choose to slow down (December and July, as it turns out). But to me, December has long been my "secret" month: It's the time when I do my most work and when I come flying out of the gate with my biggest, best ideas. Here's how you can make December a secret month for your business.
Schedule a retreat. It's the holidays for most people. You're finding it harder to get things done anyway. Even if you can't afford to go away, schedule at least two days (three is optimal) with no phone, no e-mail, no work on your existing projects and no internet unless it's very specifically targeted toward some kind of research. The point of your retreat is to hone yourself, to take the time you say you never have. Think. Plan. Play. Come up with new ideas.
If you can afford to get away, get a comfy hotel room or rent a cabin or something. It's not about the place--it's about the peace of mind. And at this retreat, make some magic. Everyone else is patting themselves on the back for their 2011 (or looking back with regret). Do neither. Get to work on 2012 by working on you.
Connect in a personal way. This can take many forms. Record a few personal videos and send them to your favorite customers. Write some handwritten notes. Draw little personal cartoons and send them out, especially if you're not a great artist. Make something that's unique to someone. In this time when we mass-produce everything (including our conversations), make something that is uniquely personal and personalized. Heck--call some people on the phone. It turns out there's still a voice feature there. The goal is to be personal. How many should you reach? Shoot for three to five a day. At five minutes each, that's still less than a half hour a day for all of December.
Commit to a week of leaving comments. If you're like most people, you read a lot of blogs and follow people's Twitter and Facebook and Google+ streams, but you don't stop to leave comments. Drop some comments this week. Thank people for their information. Let people know your perspective. It's a great time to do it.
Why is December an ideal secret month? Because everyone else is slowing down. They're taking it easy, because it's tradition. You can slow down, too. Just do it mindfully, and see what comes of it.
Image from Shutterstock.com / StockLite
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This article was originally published in the December 2011 print edition of Entrepreneur with the headline: Make December Your Secret Month.
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Comments:
3 great ideas. I will do them all.
Chris your final point is music to my ears! I'm running a business which celebrates Businesses with Values, trying to get them to succeed over businesses with none! The main way we can do this is by asking them to step forward and be proud of their values and then praising them as you so rightly point out. Hope you like what we're trying to do! http://cuckoovine.com/about-us
Thank you for giving a new perspective about December making it more active, dynamic and enjoyable.
OK. I'm commenting. I confess I do typically lurk and not comment on blogs. I enjoy reading them, and take what I can, but don't always comment. I should, because I know how much I love it when I see people comment on my blog. And I don't slow down in December, even though I know I should. But I do love the whole Retreat idea!
You and I discussed this last December and you know I'm TOTALLY onboard with that! Even blogged quoting you today ==> http://blogbarefoot.com/tis-the-season-for-marketing-your-business
Work too much - check. Not very good at slowing down - check. Don't do well with idle time - check. I'll start with the leaving comments thing, as I haven't done that in a while. And this comment is more for those reading this article than for the author. Chris posted a similar article two years ago -- "Work When They Slack" -- http://www.chrisbrogan.com/work-when-they-slack-overnight-success/ -- and I was going through a pretty rough patch at the time. Now, I'm not the type to get inspired by someone's blog post or business advice but... for some reason this was an exception. Maybe it was just the timing or Chris' usual impromptu and matter-of-fact tone. No idea and, frankly, I'm not looking for an explanation. All in all, that video and a lot of hard work led to this video -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88pzx0BnIcw. So thanks again, Chris, and good luck to you all.
I like the idea of making December a special month for your business effort. The best sales month I ever had was in December of one year. While driving to work each day of that month I listened to motivational recordings. What had typically been my worst month of the year, that year was my best.
Thanks Chris for reminding me how simple and effective video can be.
I am committing to a week of comments now...starting with this one. Thanks for the great suggestion Chris!
I'm particularly fond of taking retreats and making personal connections as you've suggested; a little less fond of posting comments. However, as this article will inspire many to take positive action, I've made a point of commenting specifically to thank you for writing it and sharing these important ideas with your readers. Perhaps I'll even make a greater commitment to commenting more regularly in 2012...
I've been doing that for a couple of years, now, and you're right, it works well. A lot of times you are undisturbed, particularly between Christmas and New Years. Being a widower and having grown sons does help, though.
We usually use December to brainstorm new ideas for the next year because everyone else is slowing down. We have never tried a retreat. I think that is a great idea. Thank you for all your practical advice.
Thanks for the tips Chris, I have put "time out" on my xmas list!
Great thoughts as we end 2011 and gear up for 2012. The need to re-charge your battery is on target. Thanks for the thoughts.
Chris, I believe (never articulated it) that your gift for the "mint on the pillow" nuggets that are so feasible, practical and easily personalized. (POW!..." right in the kisser...!") Holidays, Mondays and kids Birthdays are all opportunities to downshift, enjoy the ride and spread good will and good work. (often stealth style) Community Action Hero David Yorka
You caught me...I rarely leave comments! But this IS a good article and has given me a little something to think about. Thank you. As a life coach, I think a lot of my clients and prospects could refuel by taking some of these suggestions to heart as well. Heck, who couldn't?
Nice. I have taken up the habit of two weeks retreat to review the year behind and take stock for the year ahead. This year, I will be attending a facilitated event for a week instead of facilitating the retreat for myself. Similar to your event coming up I would imagine.
Really good advice, Chris. It reminds me of taking advantage of a downmarket to gain market share, so when things bounce back, you're well ahead of those that were complacent. But takes it to a more personal level. Works every time!
Just following directions. ;D Thanks for the suggestions, Chris. I just may have to try that winter camping trip I've been contemplating.
Good article Chris. Thanks for the seasonal ideas. Will be trying them out..... especially the blog commenting one!
Hi, Chris Really I am gonna love December... really cool stuff. I will try to reschedule this month.
Great points. And it is true that when others has sit calmly and not worry more for their business as think that it will be more as the holidays then for you to work more and try something different which can attract people to you and then stay connected with your for long time! Thanks @chris for such ideas with all.
Apt for the moment. Thanks Chris
Some good ideas here. I'm going to try these.