At the beginning of every year, many sign and print businesses experience a natural slowdown. While this quieter period can be frustrating, it’s often one of the most valuable times in the year. Kurt Tyack, director at Signarama Southern Africa, shares six key areas sign businesses should focus on early in the year to set themselves up for success.
These are the focus areas to set up a sign business for a strong year ahead:
1. Review Your Numbers Honestly
Before charging ahead, take time to look back. Review last year’s turnover, margins, job mix and expenses. Identify what worked well and what didn’t. A clear understanding of your numbers allows you to make informed decisions rather than relying on assumptions.
2. Refine Your Product Offering
Not all work is good work. Use this time to assess which products and services are profitable and which simply keep you busy. Streamlining your offering can improve efficiency, reduce pressure on production, and improve overall profitability.
3. Invest In Systems And Processes
When business picks up, poor systems become very expensive. Use quieter weeks to improve quoting, job tracking, production workflows and quality control. Even small process improvements can save hours each week once things get busy.
4. Develop Your People
Your team plays a major role in your success. Early in the year is a great time for training, upskilling and setting clear expectations. Regular communication and simple coaching can significantly improve performance and morale.
5. Clean, Organise And Take Stock
A cluttered workshop often hides wasted time and wasted money. Use this period to clean out and organise your sign shop, storage areas and vehicles. Take stock of materials that may have been lurking in corners for years. You’ll often find usable stock you didn’t realise you had, while also identifying obsolete materials that should be written off.
6. Be Proactive With Marketing And Relationships
Rather than waiting for the phone to ring, reconnect with existing clients, follow up on dormant accounts and refresh your marketing. Consistent, proactive outreach builds momentum long before the busy season arrives.
A slow start doesn’t have to mean a slow year. Businesses that plan and prepare early are far better positioned to grow when opportunities present themselves.
SIGNARAMA
+27 83 278 9000
kurt@signarama.co.za
https://www.signfranchise.co.za/
