Now it’s time for the winter blues or is it?

Darker nights, darker mornings – with the change of seasons our daylight hours are fewer, and along with the damper, wet weather, this is not my more favourite time of the year!

The whole greyness of the time can make me feel grumpy. So I do have a clear way of dealing with this.

However, I do like the autumnal season. On my morning walks with the dog, I love to see the changing leaves. Their rich browns, greens, oranges, golds and reds as they decorate the trees, before inevitably falling completely, leaving a collection of bare branches and twigs.

I  can overcome this ‘blue’ feeling and come to accept that autumn is here and winter is on its way. No longer able to wear my shorts and flip-flops, that I’ve lived in for the entire summer, I’ll be snuggled up in my big anorak which I really like…

As a natural extrovert, this is the one time in the year where I become an introvert for a short time. It might not be a time to be rushing around, and I may not be so chatty, but, from my business’s point of view, this will be the perfect time for me to write, plan and start preparing for fourth quarter of the year.

Here are my tips, if you too tend to suffer at this time, and need to brighten up your winter blues:

*Plan ahead for things to look forward to projects and ideas which will advance you and your business in the new year.

I’m looking forward to my PR and Business Retreat in the new year, and another, secret, exciting project I’m working on!

Leaving them until the last minute, means things won’t necessarily get done, and if they fall in the beginning of the new year, you are cutting it fine to get marketing and PR out there.

What projects are you are planning for next year?

*Christmas – for me a lovely time of year so start thinking of that too for your business messaging.

I’m sure you’ve all read about Christmas in July? This year, things may be a little out of synch, but it is never too early to start thinking about the season, and what you are going to do and say.

Now is the time to start planning your Christmas marketing, whether you offer a service, or sell a product. You need to begin thinking about any brochures or printed offerings, from the point of design, through to the actual finished print. You need them ready sooner, rather than later.

If you decide to write Christmas related blogs, it is better to get them planned out and maybe even written now, freeing up time during the busy weeks leading up to Christmas, when you will probably be organising your family Christmas too.

*Humour – it’s said laughter is a tonic. I’ve used it several times so don’t be afraid to be humorous. I think we often believe that to be perceived as professional, we have to be seen to be serious. Depending on the industry you work in, you may think differently, but generally I’d say, even if you work in a serious profession, there are always times when a little humour lightens up somebody’s day.

Humour can also be used to get across a serious point, that could otherwise sound ‘preachy’.

Laugher has been proven to be hugely beneficial to our health, so sharing something funny with your business audience occasionally, can’t be a bad thing. I’m currently planning a comedy sketch with professional actors to act as an ice-breaker when I give talks to larger audiences. It’s wonderful to see someone with more creative talent than me, casting their comic eye on my world.

*Gratitude – on cold winter days look for the little things. Look for people who have helped you, or who have made you feel good. Notice things around you in nature, or quirky things that make you smile.

Thank the people who support you in your business. Find special ways to thank them, perhaps sending them something food-wise that is seasonal related, or a card with some lovely autumnal images, thanking them for what they do for you. Or even some flowers.

Help others to feel good, by smiling at them, giving them compliments – showing kindness, and thanking people has a good impact on how you feel too.

Next week’s blog is about Bonfire Night.