Embracing the Summer Slowdown

Summer is notoriously slow in the world of web design. Many business owners take summer vacations and also experience a bit of a slow period depending on the industry. Realizing I only have 5 summers left with my oldest before he is off to college, I have really focused on embracing this time of year and enjoying the extra time.

Midwest Sunset

Photo credit: my oldest from the friendly skies over Illinois. He won rock/paper/scissors for the window seat.

I took some time off in June from writing blog posts and actively posting on social media. My plan was to return early July but then I got hit with a post travel illness that forced me to lay low and soak up the slow time of summer. The truth is I needed the creative mental break. The world of entrepreneurship is wild—I went from a crazy Q4 that carried over into Q1 and Q2 to my normal summer slow down that seemed to hit a bit earlier this year in the spring. It was perfect timing as my oldest was graduating 8th grade. I was able to really focus on this special time with the final concerts of the year and end of year crazy that hits every May-cember. May-cember is what us parents refer to as the May overload minus the gifts and treats. In talking with friends, we agreed this accelerated time of year seemed to come on earlier this year starting in April. Phew!

Sweet home Chicago….truly one of the most magical cities full of life and great food!

Photo credit: again the winner of rock/paper/scissors who won the window seat and happens to be most at home when he is back in the Midwest—although he (like me) does not love the gray winter skies so we time visits accordingly.

We took a trip back to Illinois and Wisconsin to visit family in early June. While I have had client work here and there, it has been nice to recover a bit and reset my brain. As a creative time away is sometimes the best medicine. I have learned to embrace a slowdown. The wild ride I refer to consists of times of the year where I am working non-stop day and night with some weekends thrown in the mix. I love it but also have come to appreciate the ebbs and flows of running my own business as well as the freedom it allows.

It’s been interesting talking with clients, colleagues and friends in business about how we have hit yet another strange time in the economy. Most everyone I talk to is in a similar boat experiencing a different than normal pace that is slow moving. Intel from family and friends back in Chicago indicate that commercial building is also coming to a complete standstill with little to no work in the city. The news will tell you something different but my “unofficial” analysis is that 2024 is going to be a strange year—we are clearly seeing that with the unsettling recent events in our country. Another time where we hang on for the ride. We’ve been through this before and as I always like to say “this too shall pass.” It is much easier said than done with people fearing layoffs and wondering how they will pay the bills. The cost of everything is through the roof. I think it is important to also remember to help your neighbors in need and not forget about giving what you can to food banks and programs supporting food scarcity—it is a real problem in most communities. Remembering we are all in this together does provide some level of comfort.

I’m curious to hear from other business owners. Do share what you have been seeing in the way of your business and client feedback in regards to the economy. I know some industries are booming this time of year and have talked to clients in this position as well that are drowning from too much work. It is always interesting to me to hear different perspectives. My hope for all is that you find a little time to enjoy the sunshine and summer slowdown. Do reach out to share what you are seeing in your industry, I would love to hear your perspective: jlwatrob@north8designs.com.

Until next time, keep going one step at a time! Here is to enjoying the 2nd half of sweet summertime.