If you own a business in the trades, you already know the drill:
- Spring and summer? The phone won’t stop ringing.
- Winter? Crickets.
Or maybe for you it’s the opposite; fall is slammed, then January feels like tumbleweeds.
The ups and downs are normal. What’s not normal (or necessary) is the stress that comes with them.
Feast or Famine Isn’t Sustainable
I’ve worked with plenty of business owners who crush it during the busy season but hit panic mode as soon as things slow down. Bills don’t stop just because the work does.
Here’s the truth: the cycle isn’t the problem, it’s the lack of planning.
A Mini-Plan to Smooth the Ride
- Save During the Highs
When work is booming, it’s tempting to spend it all or assume it’ll last forever. Instead, commit to stashing 10–15% of every invoice into a “slow season” account. Treat it like payroll, it’s non-negotiable. - Know Your Numbers
How much does it take to keep the lights on each month? Insurance, trucks, rent, phones, software. That’s your baseline. If you know that number, you’ll know exactly how much you need to save during the highs. - Plan for Projects
Use slow seasons wisely: update your website, train your crew, clean up your books. Busy season doesn’t allow for it, so slow season is the perfect time. - Keep Cash Flow Visible
Track what’s coming in and what’s going out weekly. It’s like headlights on a dark road, you’ll spot trouble before you’re in it.
A Quick Example
One of my entertainment clients used to dread winter. Every year was the same: busy late spring, summer, fall, and then months of stress.
We set up a simple system to save 15% of revenue into a separate account. By October, he had the cushion he needed. The next slow season? No panic. Just steady, planned breathing room.
Crown Consulting Can Help
At Crown Consulting, we specialize in helping service-based businesses smooth out the rollercoaster. With better cash flow planning and simple systems, you can enjoy the highs and survive the lows without losing sleep.
👉 Want to get started? See how we help businesses prepare for seasonal cycles.
The seasons won’t change, but your stress level can. Planning today means peace tomorrow.