Spring clean your business

You’ve been trapped inside all winter with the same surroundings—your house, your car, and your business. For most people, all these places could benefit from a little spring cleaning.

By spending so much time in these places you often overlook the very gradual changes that are happening. You get used to seeing the usual and don’t think twice. But, wait, are those chips in the paint getting bigger? That cobweb on the guitar stand in the corner never used to be there. And when did all the yoga mats get so grungy?

Visit your business as a new client and take a good look around with fresh, Spring eyes. But don’t just take mental inventory—grab a paper, pen, and clipboard and rate yourself! On each of the following categories, give yourself a score of 1-10 (1 being not-even-cockroaches-would-live-here and 10 being fit-for-a-queen).

• Cleanliness (please no dust bunnies, spiderwebs, fingerprints on glass, etc.)

• Facilities upkeep (a fresh paint job can do wonders for your space)

• Equipment upkeep (are your yoga mats, instruments, or kettlebells looking worn out?)

• Atmosphere (does it fit with the feel of your business?)

• Signage (is it looking old and outdated?)

• Restroom and/or showers (scum in the corners is a big no-no)

• Outside and the parking lot (weeds or graffiti?)

Look at your scorecard and rank these things from worst to best. See what your time and budget will allow and start chipping away at this well-curated to-do list! Replacing all of your barbells may not be in your budget this year but maybe you can afford a new paint job. And a deep clean might not take more than a pizza, a six-pack, and a few hours on a Sunday with friends.

Your staff will be excited to come to work in an awesome, more sparkly space. Your clients will be pleased with the updates and your newly-energized staff members. And you know what happy clients means? They’re excited to come in more often AND are more likely to refer people to your business. Can’t you just picture it now?

But don’t limit this spring cleaning exercise just to Spring time. To ensure you’re not turning off new (and old!) clients, it’s important that you regularly check-in on the status of your business facility. So, right now, why don’t you go ahead and add calendar reminders for a good cleaning every three months? Your staff, clients and even the dust bunnies will thank you for it.

Is it time for you to spring clean more than just your facilities? Staff and finances need attention too.

Image: Stavos via flickr