You may have heard about the "summer slowdown". You may be experiencing it right now, or you may not be affected. Regardless it's important to pay attention, and do something this time of year.

If sales are slow and weren't in the spring, most likely this means your target market isn't spending as much time online as they were before (this could be due to vacations, spending time with family/children out of school, etc). There are several different options you have now:

1. Do nothing - take a vacation yourself

While not the most practical for a growing business, if you need a break - take one while you can. Collect your thoughts and ideas and get ready for your busy season.

2. Reorganize and prepare for fall

Similar to the first option, except you are still active and preparing. Clean your desk, organize your files, brainstorm new ideas for all, write new ads, research new markets, redesign your website, finish a few marketing books you've been meaning to read, etc. There are lots of things you can do to keep yourself busy that will also help your business.

3. Find where your target market went - and go there

Is your target market the vacationing type? Get offline and go where the tourists hang out. Are there local events near by that you can join (such as business expos, craft fairs, etc)? Sign up! While you’re at it, make sure you check into your local Chamber of Commerce and pay attention to local events you can be a part of.

4. Start a new project with a new target audience

While it may be a little late in the summer to start a new project or idea, it's possible to make up a few of those sales within a month or two. Just make sure you are organized, and can handle the extra work once your normal sales begin picking up again.

If your sales haven't slowed down this doesn't mean you aren't completely immune to the "summer slowdown". Your sales may have a different time of year where they drop off, such as Christmas or New Years. Even though you may be just as busy, now is a good time to re-evaluate and see where your sales are headed in the next few months. It's a good idea to make preparations for your slow season right now before it hits. Follow the same ideas as listed above to completely avoided loosing any sales at all.

bout the author: Kara Kelso is a work at home mom of two, and the co-owner of Direct Sales Helpers, which is dedicated to helping mothers succeed in direct sales. For more information, visit: http://www.DirectSalesHelpers.com

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