This one is going to be pretty easy, and it only applies if you plan to be opening a storefront, or offering support! We’re going to talk about the four things you need to consider when planning your hours of operation!
1. Scout the competition – what are other businesses in your sector doing? Are they open 24/7, or just 9-5? It is important to offer what your customers will want, so if you are selling something that may end up as mission critical to your customers, you need to make sure you’re available to them when you need them!
2. Look at the successful – Beyond just scouting those in your industry, look at the successful businesses in every sector. Find out what people who are succeeding are doing.
3. Look at your neighbor – If you’re running a storefront, is the strip mall you’re in a daytime only shopping area? When does the heavy traffic come through your area? Do people stop by after work, or on the weekends? Look at the businesses around you, and learn.
4. Stay on top of events – Make sure you make allowances for special days like Black Friday. If you are running a niche business, make sure that you’re very aware of events like conferences and parties that your community will be participating in. Cater to their schedule on these special days, and be sure to try to cross promote with these events as much as possible.
Next time, we’ll be talking about scheduling your time…stay tuned!
