-- Launch a Promotion -- Create a spring and summer promotion. They can be same; although, if possible, I recommend two different promotions. More activity tends to create more urgency. I categorize spring as late March through late May and summer as early June through first week of September. The idea behind your promotion is to reach your customer before they begin their "emotional" summer vacation. Most of us still have to work, but in some fashion we tend to take an emotional vacation June through early September. The key to any promotion is to create a unique offering, something you've never offered your customers and that your customers haven't seen from your competitors. Compound your promotion's potential for success by including a late May end date, adding to urgency. Then let a week, no more than two, pass, and launch your summer promotion early June.

-- Tailor Sales Messages -- As seasons change, you need to consider how your customers perceive your products and services. They may misappropriately categorize your products or services as “off season,” diminishing your sales. Instead, take control of your sales messages and position your solutions to match time of year.

For example, let's say you're an errand service. The summer may or may not work to your advantage. However, it's your job to evolve your marketing messages to encompass seasonal services. For example, you could promote a house-sitting service while customers vacation and include plant, lawn and pool management.

Or, let's say you're a personal coach. The summer lends itself to taking a break from improving emotional well-being and usually shifts to a physical focus. This said, try introducing a very aggressive coaching series. For example, in mid April launch a promotion that locks your customers in during July and August; however, also offer two floating appointments, so your customers have added flexibility they need in summer.

Sharron Senter is a New England-based marketing consultant, speaker, writer and founder of Senter & Associates, a marketing communications firm that helps small businesses deploy low-cost online and offline marketing strategies. Sharron is best known for her free weekly emailed marketing tips, found at http://www.sharronsenter.com. She’s also the author of the Small Biz Survival report series that illustrates affordable ways to grow a small business.

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About the Author:

Talbert Williams is the editor of "Strategies For Success Ezine. "He has helped hundreds of individuals succeed online.