Quarterly Planning: Q2
Q2: April, May, June
Planning ahead is one of the best tips I can give for running a successful business. You have to think ahead to not be overwhelmed. If you’re keeping the plan in your head, it’s easy to lose track of the details. And that can lead to feeling overwhelmed and always behind. (This is something we run into ourselves!)
Plans, lists, and calendar reminders are some of the things we’ve found that help keep us on track. Each quarter, we’ll be posting a list (NOT all inclusive) of things to keep track of, items to update, and tips for planning for future holidays.
You can use the list below as a reminder to help you create your own task list or planning schedule. It’s not all inclusive - add to it as needed.
MAJOR HOLIDAYS
Major holidays need thought and attention BEFORE the holidays. Below you’ll find some things to consider.
Mother’s Day 🌸 (Sunday, May 14, 2023)
Planning ahead will guarantee a successful Mother's Day. Since Mother's Day is shortly after Valentine's Day, it’s good to start thinking about your plans before the rush.
March/April:
Plan holiday specials - what will you sell in-store and/or on your website? What sizes, colors, and flowers do you want to include?
If you have records from last year, review them now!
Create the recipes for each special.
Estimate how many of each special you want to sell
Place preorders for all fresh and hard goods so you can maximize savings
This should be based on the recipes for your specials
Order hardgoods and packaging materials
April (1st half):
Start looking for extra help—designers, delivery drivers, phone help, etc.
Start you marketing program (emails, ads, etc.)
Set up your store displays
Put your specials on your ecommerce site
April (2nd half):
Confirm extra help. get any paperwork taken care of prior to Mother’s Day week.
Finalize orders for fresh materials and hardgoods with your wholesalers if needed
May:
Pace yourself - start designing as early as possible (this will depend on when your flowers arrive and what your specials include)
Prom Season💃 (Dates vary by school)
March:
Confirm prom dates with your local high-schools
Order materials if needed
Start your marketing campaign
Put your specials on your ecommerce site
April/May:
Confirm extra help if needed (based on prom dates in your area)
Minor Holidays
Minor holidays don’t take as much pre-planning, but it’s still good to think about them beforehand. It’s up to you if you promote these or not.
Easter 🐣 (Sunday, April 9, 2023)
March:
Plan holiday specials - what will you sell in-store and/or on your website? What sizes, colors, and flowers do you want to include?
If you have records from last year, review them now!
Create recipes for each special
Put your specials on your ecommerce site (early March this year)
Father’s Day 🌷 (Sunday, June 18, 2023)
May:
Plan marketing
SEASONAL CHANGES
As we head into spring, you need to think about making ecommerce updates as well as changing retail space displays. Go through this list to make sure you’re prepared for the new seasons.
April:
If marketing for Easter and Prom, add store displays and ecommerce
Change store displays. Dust & clean.
Plan ecommerce for upcoming season
Start your seasonal or everyday marketing (all occasions marketing)
May:
Change store displays. Remove Mother’s Day items after May 14.
Plan ecommerce for upcoming season
June:
Update from spring to summer
FINANCIALS
Each month you need to be aware of what taxes are due and prepare for upcoming expenses. Staying on top of your financials is crucial to running a successful business! This, more than anything else, will determine your success as a business.
April:
File your income tax
File your sales tax
Pay monthly payroll taxes
Quarter 1 profit/loss review
Profit/loss for major holidays (if any)
Save for upcoming big expenses
Check in with your CPA
Cash flow - set aside portion of this months income for slow periods OR if slow period, withdraw money from that fund
May:
File your sales tax
Pay monthly payroll taxes
Profit/loss review of previous month
Profit/loss for major holidays (if any)
Save for upcoming big expenses
Check in with your CPA
Cash flow - set aside portion of this months income for slow periods OR if slow period, withdraw money from that fund
June:
File your sales tax
Pay monthly payroll taxes
Profit/loss review of previous month
Profit/loss for major holidays (if any)
Upcoming big expenses
Check in with your CPA
Cash flow - set aside portion of this months income for slow periods OR if slow period, withdraw money from that fund
**DISCLAIMER - This list is not exhaustive. We are not tax or legal professionals. You are responsible for your own deadlines, tax and legal obligations.
POST MORTEMS
Time to refresh and follow up after these big holidays. After each holiday record your thoughts, what went well, where you had issues, what the weather was like, what you want to do different next year. It’s good to write these down in a place where it’s easy to find next year!
May:
Mother’s Day
June:
Prom
SELF CARE
Taking care of your business is very important but taking care of yourself and your employees is just as important, if not more! Don’t forget to take the time to relax and destress, especially after busy seasons.
Hire a housekeeper for busy wedding season
Plan a special outing
Do something nice for your employees - gift cards, day off, bonus, buy them a meal
Need some personalized help with all this?