Page 34 - CFAN_Jun2014

ZOOMING IN ON AGRICULTURE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Polk Equine’s
Client Appreciation Day
On June 5, Polk Equine and Pu
rina presented the 2014 Horse Owners W
orkshop and Client Appreciation Day a
t Lays Western Wear & Feed in Lakeland.
Presenters at the free event included Dr. Kat
ie Hennessy of Polk Equine; Gretchen C
ouch of Boehringer Ingelheim VetMedica, In
c.; and Jeff Butler of Purina Mills, LLC.

Photos by
KATE MARTIN

PREPARING FOR YOUR SLOWER SEASON IN BUSINESS

IT’S A RARE BUSINESS that runs full throttle throughout the existing and new ones—will seek you out even during your tra-
year. For most enterprises, there are peak times and down times, ditional slow seasons.

“slow” seasons and busy seasons. And for many businesses in • Get ready to deal. Knowing that down times are ahead, prepare
Florida, the slow season—summertime—is already here.
special deals and of-season discounts to keep people calling and

hatbeingthecase,it’sawell-managedbusinessthatprepares comingthroughyourdoor. hespecialyouofertoanewcus-
for down times, because bills still have to be paid and payroll still tomer might just create a customer for life.
Keep the marketing going.
has to be met. Here are some things you can do to weather slow • You might have to trim back some of
seasons and ensure continued business success:
your advertising during slow times, but don’t eliminate it. You’ll
• Know your cash low. What was last year’s income stream like—
want people to know that you’re still there for them—for now

and the year before? Having a good handle on that can help and for later on. Marketing through a website and social media by BAXTER TROUTMAN
you manage current-year revenue and expenses. Build a cash accounts is a great way to stay in touch with your customers.
BIO: Baxter Troutman is founder and chief executive oicer
reserve during busier business times so the money is available • Prepare your employees. If you require seasonal workers (full of Labor Solutions, a staing company with oices in Bartow,
when you need it during slower times.
time or part time) or temporary labor during peak business Winter Haven, Lake Wales, and Arcadia.
A citrus grower who served in the Florida House
• Diversify your service and/or product portfolio. To balance times, let them know before the slower times come that staing
the ebbs and lows of revenue throughout the year, consider cutbacks are likely. his is the right thing to do, knowing that of Representatives, Troutman understands the
expanding your product and service oferings so customers—
workers have to make ends meet too.
challenges and concerns of today’s farmer.

34 | CFAN
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