Busy Season is over! Right?
Long hours, tight deadlines, and high-stress situations can leave you feeling exhausted and depleted. However, even though busy season may technically be over, it’s understandable that you may still feel overwhelmed with more things to do than you had at the beginning of the season.
But here’s the good news: there are ways to help you recharge and find new ways to innovate in your business. We know that you’re committed to providing your clients with the best service possible, and that means taking care of yourself as well. So, if you’re feeling like busy season isn’t quite over yet, here are a few tips to help you find new ways to innovate and re-energize:
It’s obvious, but it’s also important that people are telling you to do it. Take some time to recharge and refresh after a busy season. Even if you can’t take an extended break, try to take some time off to rest and recuperate. This could mean taking a day off to relax or scheduling a long weekend away. Use this time to do something that you enjoy, whether it’s spending time with family and friends, reading a book, or pursuing a hobby. And many of us have tasks at home that have probably piled up, try your best to let those rest.
Take some time to reflect on your successes during busy season. Celebrate the accomplishments that you and your team achieved. And write them down. At my old job, after hectic seasons we would set aside time to meet as a whole team and reflect and strategize on how to improve. We would start that meeting by having one person stand at a whiteboard and we’d popcorn out all the things we had done since the last meeting. When you work in client services problems can dominate your present thought, recognizing your accomplishments can help you build momentum and motivation for the next season.
After reflecting on your successes, it’s important to identify areas for improvement. Consider what worked well and what could be improved upon. If you have taken time with your team to reflect on the successes, ask your team for feedback and suggestions for ways to improve your processes and procedures. This is especially helpful for larger teams and if you are a partner that may not have as much insight into the in-and-outs of every client or procedure. This can help you identify new opportunities for innovation and growth in your business.
Take advantage of innovative technologies and software tools that can help you streamline your processes and save time. Perhaps theres also a new practice management methodology, or service offering, your team would like to pursue. There are many innovative solutions and resources available that can help you automate routine tasks, improve collaboration, and enhance the client experience. Do not be afraid to try out new tools and solutions, and experiment with different approaches to see what works best for your firm.
Seek out opportunities to collaborate with other firms or professionals in the industry. Join professional organizations, attend networking events, and participate in online communities. You have some CPE that you need to catch up on anyways! And in the growing world of remote work there are many professional networks popping up in cities for accountants that are less formal in nature and more relational, seek those out as well. Collaborating with others can help you stay current on industry trends, learn new skills, and gain new perspectives on common challenges.
Remember, it’s important to be kind to yourself and to seek out new opportunities for growth and innovation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Talk to your colleagues, mentors, or other professionals for advice and guidance. The more you invest in yourself and your business, the better equipped you’ll be to provide your clients with the best possible service.
We understand that busy season can be a war of attrition and it may take some time to fully recover. By taking a break, reflecting on your successes, identifying areas for improvement, embracing new technology, and collaborating with others, you can find new ways to innovate and grow your business. Remember to be kind to yourself, and don’t be afraid to seek out support when you need it. We believe in you and know that you have what it takes to succeed!